Preparation of PMMA‐Based Temperature/pH Responsive Nanoparticles Encapsulating 5‐Fluorouracil and Methotrexate In Situ by One‐Pot Dispersion Photopolymerization

Abstract

In order to achieve long‐term and controllable release of anti‐tumor drugs at specific sites, temperature/pH responsive nanoparticles encapsulating 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) and methotrexate (MTX) in situ were prepared through dispersion photopolymerization under green LED irradiation. The physicochemical properties of nanoparticles were characterized by SEM, FTIR, DLS, TG/DSC and XRD. In vitro drug release at different temperatures and pH values was examined to ascertain the release pattern of two drugs, which can be well described by Korsmeyer‐Peppas kinetic model. The cytotoxicity evaluation illustrated that the tumor cells could be more effectively killed by the drug‐loaded nanoparticles, and the improved therapeutic effect was attributed to the controllable and sustainable drug release as well as the enhanced cellular uptake. The blood safety and good biocompatibility of nanoparticles were further confirmed by hemolysis assay, indicating the prepared nanoparticles were potential candidates for effective tumor treatment.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved