Self-Assembled Autophagy-Inducing Polymeric Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer Interference In-Vivo

A peptide‐conjugated poly(β‐amino ester) that self‐assembles into micelle‐like nanoparticles is prepared by a convenient and modular supramolecular approach. The polymer–beclin‐1 (P‐Bec1) nanoparticles display enhanced cytotoxicity to breast cancer cells through induction of autophagy. This approach overcomes two major limitations of the haploinsufficient tumor suppressor Bec1 compared to small‐molecule drugs: poor delivery to tumors owing to enzymatic degradation, and unstable, non‐specific bio‐distribution and targeting in the tumor tissues.