pH- and H2O2-sensitive drug delivery system based on sodium xanthate: Dual-responsive supramolecular vesicles from one functional group

Nano-drug delivery systems with multiple stimulus-responsive capabilities have superior response performance and efficient drug release. Nevertheless, it is sophisticated to construct multiple stimulus-responsive systems where the two or more functional groups need to be introduced simultaneously. Xanthate, one functional group with pH and H₂O₂ stimulus responsiveness, has significant potential applications for building dual-responsive drug delivery system. Herein, we present a novel dual stimuli-responsive supramolecular drug delivery system by using sodium xanthate derivative (SXD) as guest molecule and quaternary ammonium capped pillar5]arene (QAP5) as host molecule through host-guest interaction on the basis of electrostatic interaction. The amphiphile QAP5?SXD could self-assemble into vesicles to efficiently load the anti-cancer drug DOX. The experimental results showed that QAP5?SXD nanoparticles could achieve efficient drug delivery and controlled release in the tumor microenvironment. Cytotoxicity experiments proved that DOX@QAP5?SXD nanoparticles could significantly improve the anticancer efficiency of free DOX on cancer cells. The present study provides an efficient strategy to develop supramolecular nanocarriers with dual-responsiveness in one functional group for controlled drug release.