RGD peptide-decorated micelles assembled from polymer–paclitaxel conjugates towards gastric cancer therapy

Development of polymer-drug conjugate capable of controlled drug release is urgently needed for gastric cancer therapy. Herein, arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-decorated polyethylene glycol (PEG)-paclitaxel (PTX) conjugates containing disulfide linkage were synthesized. The amphiphilic PEG-PTX conjugates were found to assemble into micelles (RGD@Micelles), which would be decomposed under the reduction of glutathione (GSH) and finally release PTX in weakly acidic conditions characteristic of intracellular environment. The RGD@Micelles were spherical nanoparticles with an average hydrodynamic size of ˜50 nm, which were stable in physiological environment. The release of PTX from the micelles in response to GSH was investigated. In vitro cell assay suggested that the RGD@Micelles could target the gastric cancer cells and inhibit cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis. In vivo experiments indicated that the RGD@Micelles could be delivered to the tumor site and inhibit the tumor growth efficiently by releasing PTX inside the tumor cells. This type of micelles exhibited high therapeutic efficacy and low side effects, providing new insights into targeted drug delivery for gastric cancer therapy.