Introduction: Stimulus-responsive nanocarrier systems are promising in cancer treatment. They improve drug stability and facilitate controlled drug release. However, single-responsive nanocarriers still face insufficient tumor targeting and low efficacy.
Methods: In this study, we synthesized folate-modified DSPE-PEOz nanomicelles with PEG chains and loaded them with magnetic iron particles and doxorubicin (DOX). Folic acid (FA) was employed as a ligand to target cancer cells actively. The nanomicelles are biocompatible and acid-sensitive drug carriers. Magnetic field-responsive nanoparticles enable moderately controlled magnetothermal therapy of tumors regardless of tumor location. The pH/magnetic field dual-responsive nanomicelles shed their PEG layer in response to tumor tissue acidity and react to magnetic fields through magnetothermal effects.
Results: In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the nanomicelles could efficiently target cancer cells, release drugs in response to pH changes, and enhance drug uptake through magnetothermal effects.
Discussion: The dual-responsive magnetic nanomicelles are expected to enhance the anti-cancer efficacy of chemo/magnetothermal synergistic therapy.

Keywords: nanomicelles, synergistic therapy, stimulus-responsive, tumor targeting, Chemo/magnetothermal