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High strength and ductility materials are in demand for various modern applications. In order to surmount the inherent trade-off between toughness and stiffness for most elastomers, we developed a strategy which let two polymer networks form an interpenetrated structure through introducing slip-rings by a very simple one-step synthesis method. The synergistic effect of the slip-rings and the double network structure make the resulting materials (SRDN elastomers) both tough and stiff. The fracture stress is up to 11 MPa. The maximum fracture strain is 1600%. Furthermore, the SRDN elastomers show good tear resistance and fracture energy of up to 66.3 kJ m−2 and 79.3 MJ m−3, respectively. In addition, the SRDN elastomers show self-healing properties similar to those of the PHEA elastomer, since the slip effect imparts good chain mobility to the material. This research provides a facile approach to fabricate super tough and stiff elastomers with self-healing ability.

Tough self-healing elastomers with excellent comprehensive performance are extremely demanding and fascinating for future product development, such as wearable devices and robots. However, the defo...

Efficient, flexible and self-healing electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials are highly desirable and valuable for electromagnetic shielding industry. Furthermore, in order to achieve a commercial-grade EMI shielding effectiveness, a large amount of filler is required. Here, a kind of self-healing EMI shielding fabric was fabricated by preparing aligned carbon nanotube-poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (CNT-PHEMA) non-woven fabric through magnetic-field-assisted electrospinning and cross-stacking aligned fabric layers. The unique aligned CNT stacking and porous structure enable that the materials can effectively absorbing EMI even at very low CNT loading amount (0.17 wt%). The host-guest interaction between β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and adamantane (Ad) moieties not only made the fabric can adhere together automatically but also self-heal the scratch under 100% humidity environment. After the healing, the EMI shielding property can be restored 90.86 ± 3.90%.

The adsorption of CO2 by conventional liquid alkanolamine adsorbents does not meet the requirements for green-friendly development in industrial applications. In this work, we constructed NH2-β-CD-MOF for the first time through the amino-functionalization of the lowest-priced, readily available, and biocompatible β-CD. Subsequently, the samples were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, and N2 adsorption/desorption. The CO2 adsorption capacity of NH2-β-CD-MOF was found to be 12.3 cm3/g, which is 10 times that of β-CD-MOF. In addition, NH2-β-CD-MOF has outstanding selective adsorption of CO2/N2 (947.52) compared with the reported materials. The adsorption mechanism of CO2 was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, we have found that NH2-β-CD-MOF has better water stability relative to β-CD-MOF a...

Materials that can undergo shape deformation have potential applications in biomedical field, yet it has always been a challenge to pattern hydrogels and accurately program target three-dimensional (3D) shapes through a simple method. Here, we develop a facile method that permits fabrication of inhomogeneous hydrogels, which can reversibly deform from planar sheet to 3D shape in response to multistimuli, such as pH values, SLDC (solutions with lower dielectric constant), and SBF (simulated body fluid). By printing NaOH solution ink on classic PAAm hydrogel sheet, the amide side groups of PAAm hydrolyzed to acrylate. The swelling mismatch of the printed and unprinted areas generates internal stress to activate hydrogel deformation. Adjusting concentration of NaOH solution or number of times of printing, it is convenient to introduce in-plane and through-thickness gradient distribution to hydrogel sheet. The inkjet printing process is easily controlled by computer, enabling the direct printing of batched an...

Increasing resistance to humid environments is a major challenge for the application of γ-CD-K-MOF (a green MOF) in real-world utilisation. γ-CD-K-MOF–H2S with enhanced moisture tolerance was obtained by simply treating MOF with H2S gas. XPS, Raman and TGA characterizations indicated that the H2S molecules coordinated with the metal centers in the framework. H2S acting as a newly available water adsorption potential well near the potassium centers protects the metal–ligand coordination bond from attack by water molecules and thus improves the moisture stability of MOF. After 7 days exposure in 60% relative humidity, γ-CD-K-MOF–H2S retained its crystal structure and morphology, while γ-CD-K-MOF had nearly collapsed. In addition, the formaldehyde uptake tests indicated that γ-CD-K-MOF retain their permanent porosity after interaction with H2S. This simple and facile one-step strategy would open a new avenue for preparation of moisture stable MOFs for practical applications.

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for CO2 separation have overcome the trade-off between gas permeability and gas selectivity to some extent. However, most MMMs still are prepared in lab- and pilot-scales since the permeability and selectivity of CO2 are not good enough to reach the economically available requirements. Moreover, the fabrication of few MMMs with good separation performance is time-consuming or need harsh conditions. In this study, a novel MOF-based composite membrane (PAN-γ-CD-MOF-PU membrane) was successfully fabricated by a facile and fast spin-coating method. In the two-step coating process, we applied a uniform selective layer of γ-cyclodextrin-MOF (γ-CD-MOF) on porous polyacrylonitrile and then coated a layer of polyurethane on the γ-CD-MOF layer. The entire membrane formation process was about 30 s. The formation of a unique γ-CD-MOF layer greatly improved the separation ability of CO2 (the CO2 permeability is 70.97 barrers; the selectivity to CO2/N2 and CO2/O2 are 253.46 and 154.28, respectively). The gas separation performance can exceed the Robeson upper limit obviously and the selectivity is better than other MOF-based composite membranes. In addition, the PAN-γ-CD-MOF-PU membrane is strong and flexible. Therefore, the PAN-γ-CD-MOF-PU membrane developed in this study has great potential in large-scale industrial separation of CO2.

A novel approach has been developed to prepare the magnetic micelles. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) are firstly attached on the surface of the magnetic nanoparticle via the host–guest inclusion between ferrocene groups (Fc) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). Then the resulting MNPs became amphiphilic in water above the LCST of PNIPAM and self-assembled into magnetomicelles with a size of 250 nm. These hybrid micelles show high loading capacity for anticancer drug (DOX) and high saturation magnetization simultaneously. Furthermore, these micelles could disassemble under the effects of oxidant or temperature, providing an opportunity to fine-tune the release properties of the encapsulated drug in response to temperature, H2O2 or pH independently, or a combined effect of multiple stimuli. Taking other advantages of magnetic carriers, such as high sensitivity to the external magnetic field, contrast effect to magnetic resonance, and magnetic hyperthermia, the micelles developed by this study show great potential application in cancer treatment.

Fibers with good flame retardant (FR) and smoke suppression performances are highly desirable for the purpose of eliminating fire hazard. This study developed a novel FR fiber by wet-spinning poly (vinyl alcohol)/&beta, cyclodextrin (PVA/&beta, CD) composite fiber and crosslinking it with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). &beta, CDs showed good compatibility with PVA matrix, and the resulting PVA/CD/HDI fibers showed mechanical strength at the same level as natural cotton fiber. The PVA/CD/HDI fibers also showed excellent flame retardance (the LOI value of PVA/CD/HDI could reach 41.7%, and their peak of heat release (PHRR) could be reduced by up to 77.7% by neat PVA), and super-smoke suppression (the value of total smoke production (TSP) was only 28.6% compared to PVA). These dramatic reductions of fire hazard were ascribed to the char formation of &beta, CD and crosslinking structure of PVA/CD/HDI, which formed a compact char layer during combustion, thus preventing heat transmission and smoke release.

Porous materials have attracted significant attention because of their rising applications in many fields. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are suitable building units in the fabrication of porous materials owing to their intrinsic nanoporous structure, easy modification, and biocompatibility, which may result in the formation of CD-based organic frameworks (including cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (CD-MOFs) and cyclodextrin covalent organic frameworks (CD-COFs)), and CD-based polymer hybrid porous materials. This review focuses on the recent progress in the fabrication and applications of CD-based porous materials with novel structures and functionalities.

A kind of metal-organic framework made from γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) and potassium ions were explored as excellent formaldehyde (HCHO) absorbents. The adsorption capacity and speed of γ-CD-MOF-K are both about 9 times higher than those of activated carbon, which are attributed to the porous structure and synergistic effect of hydrogen bonding and host-guest interactions.

Shape memory polymers (SMPs), with the capability to change from one or more temporary shapes to predetermined shapes in response to an external stimulus, have attracted much interest from both academia and industries. When introducing supramolecular interactions that have been featured as dynamic and reversible into the design of novel SMPs, intriguing and unique functionalities have been engendered and thereby broaden the potential applications of the SMPs to new territories. In this review, we summarize recent progress made in SMPs based on supramolecular interactions, provide insight into the material design and shape memory mechanism, elucidate and evaluate their properties and performance, and point out opportunities and applications of SMPs.

Light-, pH- and thermal-responsive hydrogels were prepared by introducing dansyl-aggregations and azo-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes as switches. The resulting material showed dual shape memory behavior in response to light, pH or temperature, respectively, and exhibits the triple-shape memory effect in response to light and pH sequentially.

Inspired by the functions of leeches, for the first time homogeneous materials integrating hydrogels and elastomers were achieved by free radical polymerization. 2-Methoxyethyl acrylate (MEA) was used as elastomer monomer and Pluronics functionalized with vinyl groups acted as cross-linkers to impart the hydrogel property to the materials. The resulting Pluronic/PMEA gels possess a swelling ratio of about 210% and good water-retaining ability. Compression tests of Pluronic/PMEA gels at swelling equilibrium state show a stress up to 1.6 MPa under 85% strain. The gels act as elastomer after dehydration. Uniaxial tensile fracture stress and the elongation reached 1200 kPa and 500%, respectively, and compression stress was above 22 MPa. Furthermore, the Pluronic/PMEA gels also show self-healing properties. Owing to the excellent mechanical performance in both wet and dry conditions, this hydrogel-elastomer integrated material may have potential applications in tissue engineering, soft robotics, and biomedical devices.

The research of hydrogels has been increasingly focused on designing an effective energy dissipation structure in recent years. Here, we report a kind of novel supramolecular cross-linker, which was formed by self-assembling amphiphilic block copolymers with guest groups at the end and vinyl-functionalized cyclodextrin (CD) through host–guest interaction. These cross-linkers could dissipate energy effectively since they combined multiple sacrificial mechanisms across multiscales through physical interactions. The resulted hydrogel shows distinguishing mechanical properties (fracture toughness of 2.68 ± 0.69 MJ/m3, tension strength of up to 475 kPa, uniaxial stretch over 2100%), remarkable fatigue resistance, and thermal- and light-responsive behaviors.

Although various analytical methods have been established based on quantum dots (QDs), most were conducted in solution, which is inadequate for storage/transportation and rapid analysis. Moreover, the potential environmental problems caused by abandoned QDs cannot be ignored. In this paper, a reusable xerogel containing CdTe with strong emission is established by introducing host–guest interactions between QDs and polymer matrix. This xerogel shows high QDs loading capacity without decrease or redshift in fluorescence (the maximum of loading is 50 wt % of the final xerogel), which benefits from the steric hindrance of β-cyclodextrin (βCD) molecules. Host–guest interactions immobilize QDs firmly, resulting in the excellent fluorescence retention of the xerogel. The good detecting performance and reusability mean this xerogel could be employed as a versatile analysis platform (for quantitative and qualitative analyses). In addition, the xerogel can be self-healed by the aid of water.

Healable, electrically conductive materials are highly desirable and valuable for the development of various modern electronics. But the preparation of a material combining good mechanical elasticity, functional properties, and intrinsic self-healing ability remains a great challenge. Here, we design composites by connecting a polymer network and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) through host-guest interactions. The resulting materials show bulk electrical conductivity, proximity sensitivity, humidity sensitivity and are able to self-heal without external stimulus under ambient conditions rapidly. Furthermore, they also possess elasticity comparable to commercial rubbers.

Two end-decorated homopolymers, methoxy polyethylene glycol-ferrocene (mPEG-Fc) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-β-cyclodextrin (PNIPAM-β-CD), were further orthogonally self-assembled into stable micelles in aqueous solution by controlling the temperature of the solution via terminal host–guest interactions. Because of the H2O2 cleavable CD/Fc connection and thermoresponsive PNIPAM, an H2O2 and thermo dual-controlled drug release based on this system was also achieved. Interestingly, the cytotoxicity evaluation of mPEG-Fc/PNIPAM-β-CD indicated good biocompatibility. Compared with free doxorubicin, the doxorubicin-loaded supramolecular micelles exhibited equal cellular proliferation inhibition toward A549 cells. This supramolecular complex is thus anticipated to serve as a promising new type of alternative drug-delivery system.

This study reported a smart, easy to apply, flexible and green strategy for obtaining a biomimic micro-nanostructures. 1-Mercapto-12-( p -nitrophenoxy) dodecane (MPND) and n -dodecanethiol were used to form low surface energy film on a silver mesodendritic structure coated zinc substrate. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize surface morphology and mesocrystal structures. Noncovalently linked sodium nonanoyloxy benzene sulfonate (NOBS) was used to form “lipid-like bilayers” on the surface, making it possible for the surface to switch its surface wettability reversibly. The water contact angle (CA) on the constructed surface varies from 168 ± 2° (before processed by NOBS) to 55 ± 2° (after processed by NOBS). This phenomenon can be explained by the formation and disruption of “lipid-like bilayers” to affect the wettability of the surface. This work is of great scientific interests and may provide insights into the design of novel functional devices that are relevant to surface wettability, such as microfluidic devices and sensors.

A self-healable conductive composite is developed by combining the small molecules and nanotubes through host-guest interactions. This material shows uniform conductivity, microwave absorption and humidity sensing properties, and can be rapidly healed to over 90% electrical and mechanical properties with the aid of water multiple times. In addition, the produced material is also remouldable and recyclable.

A dual redox and biorelevant triggered supramolecular system is developed through noncovalent supramolecular inclusion interactions between the ferrocene (Fc) modified on camptothecin (CPT) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) at the end of methoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG). With these two segments, a stable noncovalent supramolecular structure, i.e., mPEG-β-CD/Fc-CPT, can be formed, and then self-assembled into micellar structures in water. Interestingly, these supramolecular micelles showed uniform sphere structure, high and constant drug loading content, hyper-fast redox-responsive drug release, and exhibited equal cellular proliferation inhibition toward A549 cancer cells. The cytotoxicity evaluation of mPEG-β-CD also indicated good biocompatibility. In vivo results revealed the mPEG-β-CD/Fc-CPT nanoparticles had higher in vivo efficacy without side effects. It is anticipated this supramolecular complex may serve as a new kind of promising alternative for drug delivery systems.

In this paper, we fabricated a magnetically driven walking device comprising magnetically active layer-by-layer films. By alternating the magnetic fields, the device walked steadily and fast on the substrate like an inchworm, and showed good transportation capability.

A multistimuli sensitive shape memory hydrogel with dual and triple shape memory properties was prepared by grafting dansyl groups into the network of polyacrylamide (PAAM). The hydrophobic aggregation of dansyl groups acted as molecular switches, which showed reversible aggregation-disaggregation transition in aqueous solution in response to the pH or temperature change.

This paper studies a kind of hollow nanospheres prepared by self-assembly beta-cyclodextrins (beta-CDs) and poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) (pluronic F127) for gene delivery. It was found that this kind of hollow nanospheres enable load PEI10K/DNA and the resulting F127-NH(2)-beta CD/(PEI10K/DNA) with 0.08 mu g/well DNA display equal or higher gene delivery capability compared to PEI10K/DNA with 1 mu g/well DNA in the absence or presence of serum. The cytotoxicity of the nanospheres was over 100 times lower than that of PEI10K.

Electromagnetic wave absorption coatings can effectively minimize electromagnetic radiation and are widely used in the military and civil field. However, even small scratches on the coating can lead to a large decline of absorption ability and bring serious consequences. To enhance the lifetime of electromagnetic wave absorbing coating, a kind of self-healing electromagnetic wave absorbing coating is developed by introducing host-guest interactions between the absorbing fillers and polymer matrix. After being damaged, the cracks on this coating can be healed completely with the aid of small amounts of water. Simultaneously, the electromagnetic absorbing ability of the coating is restored along with the self-healing process.

UV-blocking coatings are necessary to protect materials from photochemical degradation, especially for organic polymers. And self-healing capacity is necessary to ensure the service time of UV-blocking coatings. Here, an UV-blocking coating (denoted as βCD-TiO2/P(HEMA-co-BA)) with self-healing capacity is prepared successfully by copolymerizing 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), butyl acrylate (BA) and functional monomers, inclusion complexes of β-cyclodextrin (βCD)-modified TiO2 nanoparticles, and hydroxyethyl methacrylate-adamantine (HEMA-Ad). The βCD-TiO2/P(HEMA-co-BA) coating not only shows excellent UV-blocking property but also enhances mechanical properties and good self-healing properties. After being damaged, βCD-TiO2/P(HEMA-co-BA) can repair scratches by adding a little water, and the UV-blocking capacity can be restored completely along with the self-healing process. Furthermore, the self-healing process is repeatable at a given place.

Moisture or water has the advantages of being green, inexpensive, and moderate. However, it is challenging to endow water-induced shape memory property and self-healing capability to one single polymer because of the conflicting structural requirement of the two types of materials. In this study, this problem is solved through introducing two kinds of supramolecular interactions into semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPNs). The hydrogen bonds function as water-sensitive switches, making the materials show moisture-induced shape memory effect. The host-guest interactions (β-cyclodextrin-adamantane) serve as both permanent phases and self-healing motifs, enabling further increased chain mobility at the cracks and self-healing function. In addition, these polyvinylpyrrolidone/poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate) semi-IPNs also show thermosensitive triple-shape memory effect.

This paper presents a kind of thermoresponsive polymeric magnetic particles for protein separations. The magnetofluids were directly encapsulated in hollow particles constructed by self-assembly of rod-coil poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/α-cyclodextrin (PEG–PNIPAM/α-CD) complexes. The resulting particles showed reversible protein absorption/desorption capacity because the reversible thermo-sensitivity of PNIPAM. Above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAM, these particles showed high absorptive capacities and adsorption was done at lower temperature. The protein-laden particles are readily removed from the feed solution in a magnetic field.

We have developed a kind of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) in which polyethylene glycol (PEG) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) are attached on the surface of a gold nanocrystal through the host-guest inclusion between adamantane groups (ADA) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). The resulting AuNPs become amphiphilic in water above body temperature and self-assemble into vesicles. It is found that these vesicles can load doxorubicin (Dox) effectively. With a decrease in temperature, the PNIPAM shifted from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, causing Au vesicles to disassemble into stable small AuNPs, triggering the release of Dox. These hybrid vesicles, combining polymer functionality with the intriguing properties of AuNPs, can first release free Dox and AuNP/Dox at a site of a tumor through the application of either simple ice packs or deeply penetrating cryoprobes, then the AuNP/Dox can be taken in by tumor cells and destroy them like miniature munitions. Furthermore, these vesicles showed other therapeutic possibilities due to the presence of gold. We believe that the development of such multi-functional vesicles will provide new and therapeutically useful means for medical applications.

A novel pH-switchable macroscopic assembly is reported using alginate-based hydrogels functionalized with host (alpha-cyclodextrin, alpha CD) and guest (diethylenetriamine, DETA) moieties. Since the interaction of alpha CD and DETA is pH sensitive, the host hydrogel and guest hydrogel could adhere together when the pH is 11.5 and separate when the pH is 7.0. Furthermore, this pH-controlled adhesion and dissociation shows a good reversibility. The host and guest polymers have good biocompatibility; therefore, this pH-sensitive macroscopic assembly shows great potential in biotechnological and biomedical applications.

A novel redox-induced shape-memory polymer (SMP) is prepared by crosslinking β-cyclodextrin modified chitosan (β-CD-CS) and ferrocene modified branched ethylene imine polymer (Fc-PEI). The resulting β-CD-CS/Fc-PEI contains two crosslinks: reversible redox-sensitive β-CD-Fc inclusion complexes serving as reversible phases, and covalent crosslinks serving as fixing phases. It is shown that this material can be processed into temporary shapes as needed in the reduced state and recovers its initial shape after oxidation. The recovery ratio and the fixity ratio are both above 70%. Furthermore, after entrapping glucose oxidase (GOD) in the system, the material shows a shape memory effect in response to glucose. The recovery ratio and the fixity ratio are also above 70%.

A kind of novel magnetic hollow spheres was prepared by encapsulating magnetofluid into polymeric hollow spheres. Polymeric hollow nanospheres were constructed by self-assembly of rod-coil complexes, in which the rod-like segments were formed by inclusion of α-cyclodextrins (α-CD) and grafting poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains of chitosan-graft-PEG (CS-g-PEG). Structural characteristics of CS-g-PEG/α-CD hollow spheres were investigated in detail by NMR, XRD, TEM, etc. Furthermore, those hollow spheres showed a pH responsive property which induced a considerable change of their radius. Magnetofluid was physically entrapped into the empty domain while hollow spheres were formed, it was found that the hollow spheres can encapsulate large quantities of magnetofluid and the encapsulated magnetofluid still possess magnetic responsiveness properties. We expect that this strategy may be served as a novel and more straightforward approach to obtain magnetic hollow spheres for biomedical application.

A novel pH sensitive shape-memory polymer (SMP) is prepared by cross-linking the β-cyclodextrin modified alginate (β-CD-Alg) and diethylenetriamine modified alginate (DETA-Alg): The pH reversible β-CD-DETA inclusion complexes serve as a reversible phase, and the cross-linked alginate chains serve as a fixing phase. It is shown that this material can be processed into temporary shape as we needs at pH 11.5 and recover to its initial shape at pH 7. The recovery ratio and the fixity ratio were 95.7 ± 0.9% and 94.8 ± 1.1%, respectively. Furthermore, this material showed good degradability and biocompatibility. Because the shape transition pH value is quite close to that of our body fluid and this pH triggered shape-memory effect is convenient and safe to use, this material has a high potential for medical application.

This paper describes the self-assembly of rod-coil inclusion complexes, polyethylenimine-poly(ethylene glycol)-α-cyclodextrin (PEI-PEG-α-CD). It is demonstrated that α-CDs should exclusively thread on the PEG block in PEI-PEG copolymers and the resulting complexes have both rigid block (PEG-α-CD) and coil block (protonated PEI). By varying the rigid block fraction, aggregates with hollow spheres or rod-like particles could be formed simply by self-assembly in aqueous solution.

A novel supramolecular network has been prepared based on the formation of inclusion complexes between γ-cyclodextrin and poly(ethylene glycol), in which the PEG chains are interlocked by γ-CD rings. This PEG/γ-CD network exhibits good shape memory behavior because of the crosslinked structure. The crosslinked PEG/γ-CD inclusion complexes and PEG crystallites account for the fixing phase and reversible phase, respectively. The characteristics of the materials have been investigated by (1) H NMR spectroscopy, XRD, DSC, DMA, viscosity tests, and swelling measurements.

We developed a novel linear pH-sensitive conjugate methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-4 beta-aminopodophyllotoxin (mPEG-NPOD-I) by a covalently linked 4 beta-aminopodophyllotoxin (NPOD) and PEG via imine bond, which was amphiphilic and self-assembled to micelles in an aqueous solution. The mPEG-NPOD-I micelles simultaneously served as an anticancer drug conjugate and as drug carriers. As a drug conjugate, mPEG-NPOD-I showed a significantly faster NPOD release at a mildly acidic pH of 5.0 and 4.0 than a physiological pH of 7.4. Notably, it was confirmed that this drug conjugate could efficiently deliver NPOD to the nuclei of the tumor cells and led to much more cytotoxic effects to A549, Hela, and HepG2 cancer cells than the parent NPOD. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of mPEG-NPOD-I was about one order magnitude lower than that of the NPOD. In vivo, mPEG-NPOD-I reduced the size of the tumors significantly, and the biodistribution studies indicated that this drug conjugate could selectively accumulate in tumor tissues. As drug carriers, the mPEG-NPOD-I micelles encapsulated hydrophobic PTX with drug-loading efficiencies of 57% and drug-loading content of 16%. The loaded PTX also showed pH-triggered fast release behavior, and good additive cytotoxicity effect was observed for the PEG-NPOD-I/PTX. We are convinced that these multifunctional drug conjugate micelles have tremendous potential for targeted cancer therapy.