Peptide-modified bioresponsive chondroitin sulfate micelles for targeted doxorubicin delivery in triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer is an offensive tumor that is highly challenging to cure. In this study, we developed novel polymeric nanoparticles that target dual receptors and respond to reducing conditions for chemotherapeutic drug release in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Then we synthesized and characterized a targeted peptide-grafted chondroitin sulfate A-ss-deoxycholic acid (TCSSD) copolymer and prepare doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded TCSSD (TCSSD-D) micelles high-loading content. The bioresponsive drug release of TCSSD-D nanoparticles was demonstrated in a glutathione-containing phosphate buffer solution. We found that TCSSD-D effectively targeted CD44 and P-selectin receptors both in vitro and in vivo. TCSSD-D micelles were higher cytotoxicity and cellular uptake than unmodified DOX-containing micelles in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, TCSSD-D micelles showed the strongest suppression of tumor growth among three DOX-based formulations in triple-negative MDA-MB-231-bearing nude mice. These results suggest that amphiphilic TCSSD nanoparticles can serve as a targeted and intelligent delivery vehicle for triple-negative breast cancer therapy.