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Folate Receptor-Targeted, ROS-Responsive Dextran-Block-Poly (propylene sulfide) Copolymer Nanoparticles: A Bioinformatics-Guided Approach for Prostate Cancer Therapy
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  • Yixun Zhang,
  • Zhenguo Liang,
  • Zeheng Tan,
  • Jundong Lin,
  • Xinqing Jiang,
  • Ruimeng Yang,
  • Jian Zhang,
  • Huijing Tan,
  • Wenjie Xie,
  • Yangjia Zhuo,
  • Fen Zou,
  • Jianheng Ye,
  • Jianming Lu,
  • Yingke Liang,
  • Ronghua Yang,
  • Weide Zhong,
  • Hui-Kang Yang
Yixun Zhang
the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology
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Zhenguo Liang
the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University
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Zeheng Tan
Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
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Jundong Lin
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Xinqing Jiang
the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology
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Ruimeng Yang
the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology
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Jian Zhang
the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology
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Huijing Tan
the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology
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Wenjie Xie
the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology
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Yangjia Zhuo
the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology
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Fen Zou
the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology
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Jianheng Ye
the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology
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Jianming Lu
the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology
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Yingke Liang
the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology
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Ronghua Yang
the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology
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Weide Zhong
the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology
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Hui-Kang Yang
the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology

Corresponding Author:eyyanghk@scut.edu.cn

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Abstract

This study presents a novel approach in nanomedicine for targeted cancer therapy by leveraging folic acid-receptor (FR) interactions and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive nanocarriers. Utilizing big data to advance nanomedicine, we developed an innovative amphiphilic conjugate, folic acid (FA) decorated dextran-block-poly copolymer (FA-Dex-b-PPS), designed to serve as ROS-responsive nanocarriers specifically for prostate cancer treatment. The chemical structure of FA-Dex-b-PPS was confirmed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance. The self-assembly into ROS-responsive nanoparticles and subsequent degradation were characterized through fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. Therapeutic nanocarriers encapsulating doxorubicin (Dox) were prepared via dialysis, demonstrating efficient oxidant-triggered Dox release in vitro. Cytotoxicity assays revealed high biocompatibility, with cell survival rates exceeding 85% at 400 μg/mL. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed the efficient internalization of FA-Dex-b-PPS-Dox nanoparticles by PC3 cells via FR-mediated endocytosis, surpassing non-targeted Dex-b-PPS-Dox nanoparticles. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo xenograft mouse model analyses consistently demonstrated that FA-Dex-b-PPS-Dox nanoparticles exhibited superior anti-tumor efficacy against PC3 cells compared to non-targeted and free Dox counterparts. These findings underscore the potential of tumor-targeted, ROS-responsive nanocarriers in enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapy.