Smart nanocarriers encapsulating chemotherapeutic agents

Introduction
Water insolubility and poor biodistribution of various anticancer molecules limit their therapeutic efficacy. Formulation of these molecules into pH and temperature-responsive nanocarriers is a crucial step in the development of effective and innovative chemotherapies.
Methods
Herein, the formulation of polymeric nanocarriers via the co-solvent protocol is reported. For this reason, poly(2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate-co-2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-co-oligoethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate), P(DIPAEMA-co-DMAEMA-co-OEGMA) terpolymers were utilized for the encapsulation of the anticancer molecules curcumin, quercetin, and methotrexate. The physicochemical and photophysical properties of these nanoplatforms were evaluated over the span of three weeks. Fetal bovine serum (FBS) solution was also added in all colloidal dispersions for the determination of formulation stability in blood simulating conditions.
Results
All synthesized terpolymers responded to external stimuli including pH, temperature, and ionic strength and entrapped efficiently each anticancer molecule, showcasing colloidal stability as indicated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis) measurements. Utilization of FBS as a medium revealed limited interaction between proteins and nanoparticles. Furthermore, fluorescence spectroscopy studies in curcumin and quercetin nanoformulations present enhanced emission intensity due to the aggregation-induced emission phenomenon.
Conclusions
Smart nanocarriers were fabricated via a cost-effective and scalable method. Such nanoplatforms can offer a promising approach in cancer treatment as they can respond to external stimuli triggered by cancer tissue conditions.