Tumor targeted hollow double-layered
polymer nanoparticles (HDPNs) with
S-nitrosothiols for
nitric oxide (NO)-release as
chemotherapy were described. Via a two-stage distillation precipitation co-polymerization, simple post-treatment and
S-nitrosothiol modification, the S-nitroso HDPNs showed pH and
glucose dual responsiveness. This would benefit accurate binding with the
sialic acid over-expressed
cancer cells, providing prerequisites for the
disulfide polymer assisted cell uptake, intracellular GSH induced decomposition and rapid NO release. Confocal microscopy and cytotoxicity assay with normal versus
tumor cells demonstrated in vitro recognition, intracellular delivery ability and
tumor cell targeting cytotoxicity. Especially worth mentioning, the inevitable small amount of NO leakage in the transmission would take part in normal physiological activities and not cause serious side effects, providing a possible
solution to avoid the intolerable side effects of traditional
chemotherapy treatments for
cancer.