The
development of drug delivery systems with real-time
cargo release
monitoring capabilities is imperative for optimizing nanomedicine
performance. Herein, we report an innovative self-reporting drug delivery
platform based on a ROS-responsive random copolymer (P1) capable of visualizing cargo release kinetics via the activation
of an integrated fluorophore. P1 was synthesized by copolymerization
of pinacol boronate, PEG, and naphthalimide monomers to impart ROS-sensitivity,
hydrophilicity, and fluorescence signaling, respectively. Detailed
characterization verified that P1 self-assembles into
11 nm micelles with 10 μg mL–1 CMC and can
encapsulate hydrophobic curcumin with 79% efficiency. Fluorescence
assays demonstrated H2O2-triggered disassembly
and curcumin release with concurrent polymer fluorescence turn-on.
Both in vitro and in vivo studies validated the real-time visualization
of drug release and ROS scavenging, as well as the therapeutic effect
on osteoarthritis (OA). Overall, this nanotheranostic polymeric micelle
system enables quantitative monitoring of drug release kinetics for
enhanced treatment optimization across oxidative stress-related diseases.