Smart multifunctional hollow microspheres for the quick release of drugs in intracellular lysosomal compartments.

Prepared to self-destruct: when poly(D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) hollow microspheres containing NaHCO(3) entered the endocytic organelles of a live cell, the NaHCO(3) in the aqueous core reacted with protons that infiltrated from the compartment to generate CO(2) gas. The evolution of CO(2) bubbles led to the formation of small holes in the PLGA shell and thus rapid release of the encapsulated drug doxorubicin.