Abstract
We present the efficient and stable encapsulation of doxorubicin within pH sensitive polymeric vesicles (polymersomes) for intracellular and nuclear delivery to melanoma cells. We demonstrate that PMPC25-PDPA70 polymersomes can encapsulate doxorubicin for long periods of time without significant drug release. We demonstrate that empty polymersomes are non-toxic and that they are quickly and more efficiently internalised by melanoma cells compared to healthy cells. Encapsulated doxorubicin has a strong cytotoxic effect on both healthy and cancerous cells, but when encapsulated it had a preferential effect on melanoma cells indicating that this formulation can be used to achieve an enhanced drug delivery to cancerous cells rather than to the healthy surrounding cells.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Cancer Letters |
Volume | 334 |
Issue number | 2 |
Pages (from-to) | 328-337 |
Number of pages | 10 |
ISSN | 0304-3835 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Polymersomes
- Melanoma
- Targeted delivery
- Doxorubicin