"pH phoresis": a new concept that can be used for improving drug delivery to tumor cells

J Control Release. 2013 Sep 28;170(3):396-400. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2013.06.016. Epub 2013 Jun 19.

Abstract

We propose a new concept describing how nanoparticles composed of weak polybases (such as polyamines) would behave when they are exposed to a pH gradient; weak polybase-containing particles will tend to accumulate preferentially in low pH regions under a pH gradient environment. This phenomenon, which we term "pH phoresis", may provide a useful mechanism for improving the delivery of drugs to cancer cells in solid tumor tissues.

Keywords: Cancer; Drug delivery; Nanoparticle; Polyamine; Tumor; pH.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Drug Carriers / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Micelles
  • Nanoparticles / administration & dosage
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Polyamines / chemistry

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Micelles
  • Polyamines