Novel Tween 20 derivatives enable the formation of efficient pH-sensitive drug delivery vehicles for human hepatoblastoma

Abstract

We describe the synthesis, the physicochemical characterization and the biological evaluation of three novel pH-sensitive systems prepared derivatizing polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) with glycine, N-methyl-glycine and N,N-dimethyl-glycine (TW20-GLY, TW20-MMG and TW20-DMG). These derivatives form pH-sensitive vesicles and translocate small molecules into cells. The reported systems are efficient drug delivery systems for human hepatoblastoma cells.