# Spatially-controlled, Combination Drug Delivery Platform using pH-Responsive Polymersomes

> **NIH NIH P20** · NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $81,164

## Abstract

Abstract:
We will design a multistage, combination therapy polymersomes that will differentially respond to
extra- and intracellular pH existing in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) microenvironment.
These carriers will be assembled from amino-functionalized block copolymers with a distinct self-assembly behavior exclusively governed by their ionization status. Using tumor homing and
penetrating peptides such as iRGD, the nanoparticles will be rendered to overcome desmoplasia
induced ‘kinetic barrier’ to payload delivery in solid tumors. The innovation of the project lies in the
fact that, the direct contribution of the altered acid-base transport machinery of pancreatic ductal
cells, which is one of the hallmarks of PDAC progression, and the evolutionary conserved intracellular lysosomal acidity will be used as mechanistic promoters of drug release to simultaneously engage multiple micro-environmental and intracellular targets. The research objectives of this proposal are to understand how pH-responsive block copolymer assembly influences in vitro and in vivo efficiency of a combination chemotherapy that can inhibit the crosstalk between malignant cells and their stromal components. The creation of orthogonal pHresponsive systems with controlled assembly/disassembly property will also provide a clear understanding of the structure-activity relationship of amino-functionalized polyester block copolymers for attaining systemic stability and deep tissue penetration so that they can be applied in therapeutic setting. Finally, the project will enable the PI’s translation and graduation as an independent investigator in the area of pancreatic cancer research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10118357
- **Project number:** 5P20GM109024-05
- **Recipient organization:** NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Mohiuddin Quadir
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $81,164
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → 2022-07-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10118357

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10118357, Spatially-controlled, Combination Drug Delivery Platform using pH-Responsive Polymersomes (5P20GM109024-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10118357. Licensed CC0.

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