Reversal of Multidrug Resistance by Apolipoprotein A1-Modified Doxorubicin Liposome for Breast Cancer Treatment

Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a major problem in cancer therapy and is characterized by the overexpression of p-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux pump, upregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins or downregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins. In this study, an Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1)-modified cationic liposome containing a synthetic cationic lipid and cholesterol was developed for the delivery of a small-molecule chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin (Dox) to treat MDR tumor. The liposome-modified by ApoA1 was found to promote drug uptake and elicit better therapeutic effects than free Dox and liposome in MCF-7/ADR cells. Further, loading Dox into the present ApoA1-liposome systems enabled a burst release at the tumor location, resulting in enhanced anti-tumor effects and reduced off-target effects. More importantly, ApoA1-lip/Dox caused fewer adverse effects on cardiac function and other organs in 4T1 subcutaneous xenograft models. These features indicate that the designed liposomes represent a promising strategy for the reversal of MDR in cancer treatment.     

A microRNA-21-responsive doxorubicin-releasing sticky-flare for synergistic anticancer with silencing of microRNA and chemotherapy

A sticky-flare gold nanoparticle probe(AuNP-probe) is designed by the combination of locked nucleic acid functionalized silencing of microRNA technology for intracellular microRNA-21(miRNA-21) sensitively detecting, fluorescence imaging,localizing and silencing. The limit of detection is as low as 0.01 n M. Overexpressed miRNA-21 in cancer cells serves as endogenous drug release stimuli to trigger the release of probe-loaded doxorubicin(Dox), which soon translocates into cell nuclei. This multifunctional Dox-loaded AuNP-probe(Dox-AuNP-probe) could induce cancer cell apoptosis effectively through the synergistic effect of gene silencing and chemotherapy. This Dox-AuNP-probe exhibits superior drug potency compared to free Dox molecules, with a cell inhibition rate of 57%(but only 20% for Dox) to wild-type cancer cells and 30%(but 0% for Dox) to drug-resistent cancer cells after 72 h, and this strategy not only has the function of sensing, but also can effectively bypass drug resistance. In MCF-7 xenograft tumor-bearing mice, the Dox-AuNP-probes show greater inhibition for tumor tissues than miRNA-21 targeted AuNP-probes(Targeting-AuNP-probe) or free Dox molecules. Therefore, the Dox-AuNP-probe represents a promising nanotheranostic platform for future applications in cancer molecular imaging and therapy, especially providing a potential strategy to treat resistant cancers.     

A tumor mRNA-dependent gold nanoparticle-molecular beacon carrier for controlled drug release and intracellular imaging

We demonstrate a tumor mRNA-dependent drug carrier for controlled release of doxorubicin (Dox) and intracellular imaging based on gold nanoparticle-molecular beacon. Fluorescent Dox is released effectively and induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells but not in normal cells. Significantly, the release of Dox is correlated positively with the quantities of tumor mRNA, which is according to various stages of tumor progression, and so can decrease effectively side effects of Dox.     

Self‐Assembled Aptamer‐Based Drug Carriers for Bispecific Cytotoxicity to Cancer Cells

Monovalent aptamers can deliver drugs to target cells by specific recognition. However, different cancer subtypes are distinguished by heterogeneous biomarkers and one single aptamer is unable to recognize all clinical samples from different patients with even the same type of cancers. To address heterogeneity among cancer subtypes for targeted drug delivery, as a model, we developed a drug carrier with a broader recognition range of cancer subtypes. This carrier, sgc8c‐sgd5a (SD), was self‐assembled from two modified monovalent aptamers. It showed bispecific recognition abilities to target cells in cell mixtures; thus broadening the recognition capabilities of its parent aptamers. The self‐assembly of SD simultaneously formed multiple drug loading sites for the anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox). The Dox‐loaded SD (SD–Dox) also showed bispecific abilities for target cell binding and drug delivery. Most importantly, SD–Dox induced bispecific cytotoxicity in target cells in cell mixtures. Therefore, by broadening the otherwise limited recognition capabilities of monovalent aptamers, bispecific aptamer‐based drug carriers would facilitate aptamer applications for clinically heterogeneous cancer subtypes that respond to the same cancer therapy.     

铁掺杂的聚2-硝基-1,4-苯二胺纳米球的制备及在光热/光动力/化学动力学肿瘤治疗中的应用

肿瘤微环境(TME)的复杂性,使得单一治疗方式很难实现完全治愈。 为此,构建了一种负载吲哚菁绿(ICG)的铁掺杂的聚2-硝基-1,4-苯二胺多功能纳米球Fe-PNPD-ICG(FPIs),用于光热(PTT)/光动力(PDT)/化学动力学(CDT)的联合治疗。 在808 nm激光器照射下,ICG作为光敏剂可以产生单线态氧,铁掺杂的聚2-硝基-1,4-苯二胺纳米球作为光热剂具有36.65%的光热转换效率。 FPIs一旦内化到肿瘤内,由Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺转化引发Fenton反应产生·OH实现化学动力学治疗,反应过程中可以清除TME中过表达的谷胱甘肽(GSH),从而降低肿瘤中的抗氧化能力。 同时,产生的氧气可以改善TME中乏氧情况,增强PDT的治疗效果。 因此,FPIs是PTT/PDT/CDT联合治疗的一种理想材料,在肿瘤治疗中具有潜在的应用前景。     

Investigation of the local delivery of an intelligent chitosan-based 188Re thermosensitive in situ-forming hydrogel in an orthotopic hepatoma-bearing rat model

In this study, in vitro and in vivo evaluations of the local delivery of ¹⁸⁸Re-Tin colloid and doxorubicin (Dox) through chitosan (C)-based thermosensitive in situ-forming hydrogels by intratumoral injection in an orthotopic hepatoma-bearing rat model were carried out. Selective internal radiation therapy has been increasingly used as an alternative therapy option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and combined with biodegradable drug carrier systems to improve drug delivery and systemic toxicity. The C-based thermosensitive hydrogel (C/GP), an injectable thermogelling solution crosslinked between C and β-glycerophosphate (GP), was induced as an implanted carrier to combine the ¹⁸⁸Re-Tin colloid and Dox as a novel treatment strategy. The compounded hydrogel characteristics, including the gelation time, controlled release of Dox, and morphology, were examined. In the animal study, the biodistribution, scintigraphy, therapeutic efficacy, and histopathology were also evaluated. The characterization results reveal that C/GP/Dox hydrogels have similar gelation times of 4–4.5 min and pore sizes of as small as 10 μm compared with C/GP hydrogels. The C/GP/Dox/¹⁸⁸Re-Tin colloids have the longest release time for Dox at 2–3 days. In the in vivo experiments, both the biodistribution and scintigraphy studies have the highest hydrogel uptakes in the tumor at different time points, as well as localized radioactivities for a certain time. The therapeutic evaluation indicates that C/GP/Dox/¹⁸⁸Re-Tin colloids can more significantly inhibit tumors compared with the control group at 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment. These results indicate that this novel treatment system is a promising option for inoperable HCC.     

Tumor-Specific Chemotherapy by Nanomedicine-Enabled Differential Stress Sensitization

Most of current nanomedicines are administrated intravenously to favour tumor accumulation through enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, which, however, suffers from several drawbacks such as low drug bioavailability and severe side effect. In this work, we have constructed a doxorubicin(Dox)-based liposomal nanosystem for tumor-specific chemotherapy, by enabling differential stress sensitization between cancer and normal cells for restricting the chemodrug toxicity exclusively in tumor regions. 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) was loaded in the nanoliposome to inhibit glycolysis of cancer cells, which works in synergy with the co-loaded chemodrug Dox to promote mitochondrial depolarization and subsequent apoptosis. In addition, the starvation effect of 2DG can counteract the toxicity of Dox in normal cells and thus mitigates the harmful side effect of chemotherapy. It is expected that such a differential stress sensitization strategy may greatly benefit future nanomedicine design.     

Tumor‐Specific Chemotherapy by Nanomedicine‐Enabled Differential Stress Sensitization

Most of current nanomedicines are administrated intravenously to favour tumor accumulation through enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, which, however, suffers from several drawbacks such as low drug bioavailability and severe side effect. In this work, we have constructed a doxorubicin(Dox)‐based liposomal nanosystem for tumor‐specific chemotherapy, by enabling differential stress sensitization between cancer and normal cells for restricting the chemodrug toxicity exclusively in tumor regions. 2‐Deoxy‐D‐glucose (2DG) was loaded in the nanoliposome to inhibit glycolysis of cancer cells, which works in synergy with the co‐loaded chemodrug Dox to promote mitochondrial depolarization and subsequent apoptosis. In addition, the starvation effect of 2DG can counteract the toxicity of Dox in normal cells and thus mitigates the harmful side effect of chemotherapy. It is expected that such a differential stress sensitization strategy may greatly benefit future nanomedicine design.     

ICG and Sunitinib-loaded NH2-MOFs for Folate-mediated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Dual-modal Therapy

This research investigated a novel folic acid(FA)-modified zirconium core metal-organic framework(MOF) Uio-66 as a nanocarrier to deliver indocyanine green(ICG) and Sunitinib to cancer cells for combination therapy. Platinum-loaded Uio-66 nanoparticles(Pu) were synthesized via a one-pot method, followed by the modification with FA on their surfaces. This afforded FPu that enabled subsequent loading of ICG and Sunitinib to achieve dual-modal cancer therapy. Drug loading/release test and singlet oxygen detection were also conducted in vitro, and the nanoparticles showed considerable drug loading efficiency for both ICG and Sunitinib, coupled with a high singlet oxygen generation rate. Specifically, drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of Sunitinib were 2.30% and 72.67%, while those for ICG were 2.87% and 90.28%, respectively. Additionally, cytotoxicity test on HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cancer cell line revealed that the fully functional nanoparticles possess excellent biocompatibility and as such could be further investigated as a potential drug delivery system for effectual carcinoma cancer treatment.     

Synthesis of HPMA Copolymers Containing Doxorubicin Bound via a Hydrazone Linkage. Effect of Spacer on Drug Release and in vitro Cytotoxicity

The aim of this study was the synthesis, physico‐chemical characterization and preliminary evaluation of biological activity of novel polymer drugs based on conjugates of anti‐cancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) with water‐soluble polymer drug carriers based on N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers. In the conjugates, Dox is attached to the polymer via a pH‐sensitive linkage susceptible to hydrolysis at pH ≈ 5–6, thus enabling intracellular Dox release. Seven Dox‐containing polymer conjugates differing in the length and structure of the single‐amino‐acid or oligopeptide spacer were synthesized (Gly, β‐Ala, 6‐aminohexanoyl, 4‐aminobenzoyl, GlyGly, GlyLeuGly, Gly‐DL ‐PheLeuGly) and the relationship between the spacer structure and the rate of in vitro Dox release was studied at various pH. The rate of Dox release at pH 5 (close to lysosomal pH) ranged from 70 to 96% of total Dox/48 h, depending on the spacer structure and being the highest for the conjugate containing the 6‐aminohexanoyl spacer. The rate of Dox release from most conjugates incubated at pH 7.4 (blood pH) was more than 10 times slower, ca. 4–10% of total Dox/48 h. Molecular weight of the polymer (25 000–115 000 g/mol) did not significantly influence the rate. The presence of lysosomal enzyme cathepsin B in incubation media increased the rate of Dox release from the conjugates with oligopeptide GlyLeuGly and Gly‐DL ‐PheLeuGly spacers by 15–30%, whereas the release from conjugates with other spacers remained unchanged. Cytotoxicity of all hydrazone conjugates for mouse EL‐4 T cell lymphoma cells was much higher and close to that of free Dox (IC₅₀ ≈ 0.1–0.34 μg Dox/mL), in contrast to cytotoxicity of similar classic conjugates bearing Dox attached via an amide bond (IC₅₀ ≈ 19 μg Dox/mL).     

Tragacanth gum‐based pH‐responsive magnetic hydrogels for “smart” chemo/hyperthermia therapy of solid tumors

The drug delivery performances of pH‐responsive magnetic hydrogels (MHs) composed of tragacanth gum (TG), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) were investigated in terms of physicochemical as well as biological features. The fabricated drug delivery systems (DDSs) were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The synthesized MHs were loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dox) as a universal model anti‐cancer drug. The MHs showed excellent Dox loading and encapsulation efficiencies, mainly due to strong hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction between the drug and polymeric matrix, as well as porous micro‐structures of the fabricated MHs. The drug‐loaded MHs showed negligible drug release values in physiological condition. In contrast, in cancerous condition (pH 5.0), both MHs exhibited highest drug release values that qualified them as “smart” DDSs. The cytocompatibilities of the MHs as well as the cytotoxicity of the Dox‐loaded MHs were investigated against human epidermoid‐like carcinoma (Hela) cells through MTT assay. In addition, hyperthermia therapy induced by Fe₃O₄ NPs was applied to locally raise temperature inside the Hela cells at 45 ± 3°C to promote cell death. As a result, the Dox‐loaded MHs can be considered as potential DDSs for chemo/hyperthermia therapy of solid tumors.     

Multifunctional Uniform Core–Shell Fe3O4@mSiO2 Mesoporous Nanoparticles for Bimodal Imaging and Photothermal Therapy

Multimodal imaging and simultaneous therapy is highly desirable because it can provide complementary information from each imaging modality for accurate diagnosis and, at the same time, afford an imaging‐guided focused tumor therapy. In this study, indocyanine green (ICG), a near‐infrared (NIR) imaging agent and perfect NIR light absorber for laser‐mediated photothermal therapy, was successfully incorporated into superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄@mSiO₂ core–shell nanoparticles to combine the merit of NIR/magnetic resonance (MR) bimodal imaging properties with NIR photothermal therapy. The resultant nanoparticles were homogenously coated with poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) to make the surface of the composite nanoparticles positively charged, which would enhance cellular uptake driven by electrostatic interactions between the positive surface of the nanoparticles and the negative surface of the cancer cell. A high biocompatibility of the achieved nanoparticles was demonstrated by using a cell cytotoxicity assay. Moreover, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) observations indicated excellent NIR fluorescent imaging properties of the ICG‐loaded nanoparticles. The relatively high r₂ value (171.6 mM ^?1 s^?1) of the nanoparticles implies its excellent capability as a contrast agent for MRI. More importantly, the ICG‐loaded nanoparticles showed perfect NIR photothermal therapy properties, thus indicating their potential for simultaneous cancer diagnosis as highly effective NIR/MR bimodal imaging probes and for NIR photothermal therapy of cancerous cells.     

Biodegradable nanogels prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization as potential drug delivery carriers: synthesis, biodegradation, in vitro release, and bioconjugation

Stable biodegradable nanogels cross-linked with disulfide linkages were prepared by inverse miniemulsion atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). These nanogels could be used for targeted drug delivery scaffolds for biomedical applications. The nanogels had a uniformly cross-linked network, which can improve control over the release of encapsulated agents, and the nanogels biodegraded into water-soluble polymers in the presence of a biocompatible glutathione tripeptide, which is commonly found in cells. The biodegradation of nanogels can trigger the release of encapsulated molecules including rhodamine 6G, a fluorescent dye, and Doxorubicin (Dox), an anticancer drug, as well as facilitate the removal of empty vehicles. Results obtained from optical fluorescence microscope images and live/dead cytotoxicity assays of HeLa cancer cells suggested that the released Dox molecules penetrated cell membranes and therefore could suppress the growth of cancer cells. Further, OH-functionalized nanogels were prepared to demonstrate facile applicability toward bioconjugation with biotin. The number of biotin molecules in each nanogel was determined to be 142,000, and the formation of bioconjugates of nanogels with avidin was confirmed using optical fluorescence microscopy.     

Folate‐Conjugated and Dual Stimuli‐Responsive Mixed Micelles Loading Indocyanine Green for Photothermal and Photodynamic Therapy

A folic acid targeted mixed micelle system based on co‐assembly of poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(methoxytri(ethylene glycol) methacrylate‐co‐N‐(2‐methacrylamido)ethyl folatic amide) and poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(diethylene glycol monomethyl ether methacrylate) is developed to encapsulate indocyanine green (ICG) for photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy. In this study, the use of folic acid is not only for specific cancer cell recognition, but also in virtue of the carboxylic acid on folic acid to regulate the pH‐dependent thermal phase transition of polymeric micelles for controlled drug release. The prepared ICG‐loaded mixed micelles possess several superior properties such as a preferable thermoresponsive behavior, excellent storage stability, and good local hyperthermia and reactive oxygen species generation under near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation. The photototoxicity induced by the ICG‐loaded micelles has efficiently suppressed the growth of HeLa cells (folate receptor positive cells) under NIR irradiation compared to that of HT‐29, which has low folate receptor expression. Hence, this new type of mixed micelles with excellent features could be a promising delivery system for controlled drug release, effective cancer cell targeting, and photoactivated therapy.     

Albumin-Albumin/Lactosylated Core-Shell Nanoparticles: Therapy to Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma for Controlled Delivery of Doxorubicin

Doxorubicin (Dox) is the most widely used chemotherapeutic agent and is considered a highly powerful and broad-spectrum for cancer treatment. However, its application is compromised by the cumulative side effect of dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Because of this, targeted drug delivery systems (DDS) are currently being explored in an attempt to reduce Dox systemic side-effects. In this study, DDS targeting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been designed, specifically to the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR). Dox-loaded albumin-albumin/lactosylated (core-shell) nanoparticles (tBSA/BSALac NPs) with low (LC) and high (HC) crosslink using glutaraldehyde were synthesized. Nanoparticles presented spherical shapes with a size distribution of 257 ± 14 nm and 254 ± 14 nm, as well as an estimated surface charge of −28.0 ± 0.1 mV and −26.0 ± 0.2 mV, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of Dox for the two types of nanoparticles was higher than 80%. The in vitro drug release results showed a sustained and controlled release profile. Additionally, the nanoparticles were revealed to be biocompatible with red blood cells (RBCs) and human liver cancer cells (HepG2 cells). In cytotoxicity assays, Dox-loaded nanoparticles decrease cell viability more efficiently than free Dox. Specific biorecognition assays confirmed the interaction between nanoparticles and HepG2 cells, especially with ASGPRs. Both types of nanoparticles may be possible DDS specifically targeting HCC, thus reducing side effects, mainly cardiotoxicity. Therefore, improving the quality of life from patients during chemotherapy.     

Multivalent Aptamer-modified DNA Origami as Drug Delivery System for Targeted Cancer Therapy

In spite of great development in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems(DDSs)for improved therapeutic efficacy,it remains challenging for effective delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs to targeted tumor cells.In this work,we report a triangle DNA origami as targeted DDS for cancer therapy.DNA origami shows excellent biocompatibility and stability in cell culture medium for 24 h.In addition,the DNA origami structures conjugated with multivalent aptamers enable for efficient delivery of anticancer drug doxorubicin(Dox)into targeted cancer cell due to their targeting function,reducing side effects associated with nonspecific distribution.Moreover,we also demonstrated that the multivalent aptamer-modified DNA origami loading Dox exhibits prominent therapeutic efficacy in vitro.Accordingly,this work provides a good paradigm for the development of DNA origami nanostructure-based targeted DDS for cancer therapy.     

Alternating Magnetic Field Controlled Targeted Drug Delivery Based on Graphene Oxide-Grafted Nanosupramolecules

Graphene oxide (GO)-grafted nanosupramolecules have recently emerged as neoteric nano drug carriers in the therapy of refractory diseases. Herein, a multicomponent nanosupramolecular drug carrier based on a targeted peptide and magnetic GO is reported, the drug-release behavior of which can be regulated by an alternating magnetic field (AMF). This multicomponent nanosupramolecular carrier is composed of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)/nickel nanoparticle-modified graphene oxide (GONiCD) and mitochondrial ion-targeting peptide (MitP)-grafted hyaluronic acid (HAMitP). Owing to the host–guest interaction between β-cyclodextrin and the cyclohexyl groups on MitP, GONiCD and HAMitP could form supramolecular assemblies during the doxorubicin (Dox) loading process, which not only remarkably enhances the drug-loading capacity, but also improves the drug-release efficiency under AMF stimulus. During co-incubation with tumor cells, the Dox-loaded assemblies could strongly target the tumor mitochondria and damage both the mitochondria and the nuclei, owing to Dox release from the assemblies induced by AMF. This study sheds light on the exploration of peptide caps for controlled drug loading/release of supramolecular nanocarriers for efficient drug delivery and anticancer therapy.     

LHRH/TAT dual peptides-conjugated polymeric vesicles for PTT enhanced chemotherapy to overcome hepatocellular carcinoma

Combination therapy such as photothermal therapy (PTT) enhanced chemotherapy is regarded as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Herein, we developed redox-responsive polymeric vesicles based on the amphiphilic triblock copolymer PCL-ss-PEG-ss-PCL. To avoid the limited therapeutic effect of chemotherapeutic drugs caused by systemic exposures and drug resistance, the redox-sensitive polymeric vesicles were cargoed with two chemotherapeutics: doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PTX). Besides, indocyanine green (ICG) was encapsulated, and cell-penetrating peptides and LHRH targeting molecule were modified on the surface of polymeric vesicles. The results indicated that the polymeric vesicles can load different kinds of drugs with high drug loading content, trigger drug release in responsive to the reductive environment, realize high cellular uptake via dual peptides and laser irradiation, and achieve higher cytotoxicity via chemo-photothermal combination therapy. Hence, the redox-responsive LHRH/TAT dual peptides-conjugated PTX/DOX/ICG co-loaded polymeric micelles exhibited great potential in tumor-targeting and chemo-photothermal therapy.     

Biomimetic Cascade Polymer Nanoreactors for Starvation and Photodynamic Cancer Therapy

The selective disruption of nutritional supplements and the metabolic routes of cancer cells offer a promising opportunity for more efficient cancer therapeutics. Herein, a biomimetic cascade polymer nanoreactor (GOx/CAT-NC) was fabricated by encapsulating glucose oxidase (GOx) and catalase (CAT) in a porphyrin polymer nanocapsule for combined starvation and photodynamic anticancer therapy. Internalized by cancer cells, the GOx/CAT-NCs facilitate microenvironmental oxidation by catalyzing endogenous H₂O₂ to form O₂, thereby accelerating intracellular glucose catabolism and enhancing cytotoxic singlet oxygen (¹O₂) production with infrared irradiation. The GOx/CAT-NCs have demonstrated synergistic advantages in long-term starvation therapy and powerful photodynamic therapy (PDT) in cancer treatment, which inhibits tumor cells at more than twice the rate of starvation therapy alone. The biomimetic polymer nanoreactor will further contribute to the advancement of complementary modes of spatiotemporal control of cancer therapy.     

Polyphosphazene nanoparticles for cytoplasmic release of doxorubicin with improved cytotoxicity against Dox-resistant tumor cells

This study involved the construction of self-assembled nanoparticles from novel pH-sensitive amphiphilic polyphosphazenes. These nanoparticles provide fast pH-responsive drug release and have the capability to disturb endosomal membranes. The polymers were prepared by linking N,N-diisopropylethylenediamine (DPA) onto a backbone of PEGylated polyphosphazene. In vitro cell viability measurements demonstrated the superior efficacy of these pH-responsive nanoparticles over free doxorubicin (Dox): the IC50 was over 60 times lower than that of free Dox against a Dox-resistant cell line. Using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, the further investigation of the intracellular distribution of Dox and fluorescent probes provided evidence that, upon internalization by cells through endocytic pathways, the pH-sensitive polymer would disrupt membranes of endosomal compartments, releasing the cargo drugs into the cytoplasm in a burst-like manner. This resulted in reduced likelihood of drug efflux via exocytosis, and reversal of the drug resistance of the tumor cells. Generally, the pH-responsive nanoparticles designed in this study have achieved their potential as a drug delivery system for tumor therapy applications.