A new paclitaxel (Ptx) prodrug was designed by coupling a single terpene unit (MIP) to the hydroxyl group in position 2′ of the drug molecule. Using a squalene derivative of polyethylene glycol (SQ-PEG) as surface active agent, the resulting bioconjugate (PtxMIP) self-assembled in water leading to the formation of stable nanoparticles (PtxMIP_SQ-PEG NPs) with an impressively high drug loading (82%). In vivo, the anticancer activity of this ...
