Here, we describe the design and synthesis of amphiphilic polymers for enhanced photodynamic therapy, an anticancer treatment that combines photodynamic therapy with chemotherapy. The polymers contain a singlet oxygen-cleavable linker connecting a hydrophilic head (PEG polymer) and a lipophilic tail (stearyl chain) and self-assemble into nanometric micelles in water. The hydrophobic core of the micelles can be loaded with either an anticancer drug, a photosensitizer or both. The chemical structures of the polymer, photosensitizer, and drug are key factors in the fabrication of the nanomaterials and control the self-assembly as well as the cargo loading. Irradiation of the photosensitizer using visible light generates singlet oxygen among other reactive oxygen species (ROS) that, in addition to being used for photodynamic therapy, can control the delivery of a loaded anticancer drug by triggering micellar disassembly.

Cleavable polymer amphiphiles for enhanced photodynamic therapy

ACS Spring 2022

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