Polyethylene Succinate-Based Polymeric Nanoparticles Bearing Azobenzene Moieties as Potential Agents for Hypoxia-Targeted Cancer Treatment
Keywords:
Polyethylene glycol, Polyethylene succinate, Azobenzene, One-pot synthesis, Drug deliveryAbstract
Numerous studies have been conducted to develop effective methods to combat cancer and reduce its severity. One of the most promising approaches involves using potent chemotherapeutic agents that minimize damage to healthy cells. Scientists have also explored materials capable of distinguishing between healthy and cancerous cells and responding accordingly. By utilizing these differences, researchers aim to design materials that can release antitumor drugs specifically at tumor sites. One such distinguishing factor is the difference in oxygen levels between normal and cancerous tissues, leading to hypoxia.
In this research, a methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-azobenzene-poly(ethylene succinate) (mPEG–Azo–PES) copolymer was synthesized using a one-pot method. To investigate the structure of the polymer nanoparticles, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) as well as proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) measurements were employed to confirm the chemical structure of the materials. The results of the investigation indicated that these polymer nanoparticles have potent applicability as drug release agent in hypoxic tumor environments. This strategy offers a targeted approach that could reduce side effects on healthy tissues and contribute to more selective cancer therapies.
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