An Overview: Engineering pH-Sensitive Polymeric Nanoparticles for Enhanced Intracellular Delivery of Anticancer Drugs in Hypoxic Tumors

Abstract

Hypoxic tumor microenvironments pose significant barriers to effective chemotherapy. We developed pH-sensitive polymeric nanoparticles capable of releasing doxorubicin selectively in acidic conditions typical of hypoxic tumors. Nanoparticle characterization confirmed size uniformity, pH-responsiveness, and stability. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated enhanced cellular uptake, drug release under acidic conditions, and superior tumor growth inhibition compared to free drug formulations. Our platform offers a promising strategy for overcoming hypoxia-associated chemoresistance.