Phosphatase-triggered cell-selective release of a Pt(IV)-backboned prodrug-like polymer for an improved therapeutic index

We describe here the synthesis and cell-selective delivery of a cationic Pt(IV)-backboned prodrug-like polymer P(DSP-DAEP). P(DSP-DAEP) features excellent aqueous solubility, unusually high (44.5%) drug loading, can be rapidly reduced to release the active cisplatin, and is more potent than its small molecular Pt(IV) precursor DSP. P(DSP-DAEP) can be formulated with an oppositely charged methoxyl poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(L-phosphotyrosine) (mPEG-b-PpY) to afford a polyion micelle (Pt-PIC) by taking advantage of polyelectrolyte coacervation. Preliminary in vitro cellular uptake and cytotoxicity assays indicate that Pt-PIC exhibits receptor (surface alkaline phosphatase)-dependent uptake and cytotoxicity. Overall, our results suggest a new approach to the improved therapeutic index of platinum-based anticancer drugs via cell-selective delivery.