Stimuli‐responsive nanoparticles have the potential to improve the delivery of therapeutics to a specific cell or region within the body. There are many stimuli that have shown potential for specific ...release of cargo, including variation of pH, redox potential, or the presence of enzymes. pH variation has generated significant interest for the synthesis of stimuli‐responsive nanoparticles because nanoparticles are internalized into cells via vesicles that are acidified. Additionally, the tumor microenvironment is known to have a lower pH than the surrounding tissue. In this review, different strategies to design pH‐responsive nanoparticles are discussed, focusing on the use of charge‐shifting polymers, acid labile linkages, and crosslinking.
pH‐Responsive nanoparticles have significant potential for improving the efficiency of therapeutic delivery. This review discusses the three main strategies to design such materials, including the use of charge‐shifting polymers, acid labile side‐chains, and pH‐responsive crosslinking. Recent examples of pH‐responsive nanoparticles are also highlighted.
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