Redox-Responsive-Based Nano Micelles

Nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems have demonstrated substantial promise over the last few decades, whereas polymeric micelles are a class of nanocarriers known for their biocompatibility, extended blood circulation, and high drug loading capacity of hydrophobic drugs. These micelles are prepared by an amphiphilic block of polymers, which tend to self-assemble into core-shell-type nanostructures to encapsulate a hydrophobic agent inside their core. On the other hand, stimuli-responsive micelles are recent advancements in polymeric nanomicelles with the capability to selectively deliver the encapsulated drug in response to specific internal stimuli (hypoxia, pH, enzymes, and redox conditions)and external stimuli (temperature, light, and ultrasound). These systems have been well explored in previous literature. However, the redox-responsive micelles are of particular interest in this chapter. The main driving force behind the fabrication of redox-responsive nanomicelles is the fact that many diseases show a highly upregulated level of diverse reactive oxygen species and reduction equivalents, including glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). By designing the redox-responsive nanocarrier, one can selectively deliver the drug at specific sites, potentially reducing the side effects while improving therapeutic precision compared to conventional drug delivery. Here, in this chapter, we will delve into recent trends in the fabrication and applications of redox-responsive micelles in various diseases, and at the last, we discuss challenges in the clinical translation of redox-responsive nanomicelles.