Biofunctionalized pH-Responsive
Microgels for Cancer Cell Targeting:
Rational Design

Mallika Das, Sawitri Mardyani, Warren C. W. Chan,* and Eugenia Kumacheva*

Advanced MaterialsVolume 18, Issue 1

DOI: 10.1002/adma.200501043

Abstract

The design of a drug‐delivery system based on bioconjugated, pH‐responsive microgels is demonstrated. Microgels loaded with the anticancer drug Doxorubicin are introduced into the HeLa tumor cells by means of receptor‐ mediated endocytosis. Changes in pH within the intracellular environment induce shrinkage of microgels, triggering the drug release into the cells. The microgel described in this work shows enhanced cytotoxicity to HeLa cells (see Figure).