Multidrug resistance （MDR） operated by P-glycoprotein （P-gp） is one of the major causes in the treatment failure of cancers. In this work, docetaxel-loaded mixed micelles comprised of 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-methoxy （polyethylene-glycol）2000 （DSPE-PEG2000）, D-α-Tocopherylpolyethylene glycol 1000 succinate （TPGSIooo） and DSPE-PEG2000-folate were developed to overcome MDR and reduce the side effect of docetaxel in cancer therapy. The diameters of micelles ranged from 13 to 26 nm and the encapsulation efficiencies were all above 85%. The influences of DSPE-PEG2000 and TPGSIooo ratios on the micellar characteristics and anti-resistant tumors effects were evaluated. Micelles with high TPGS1000 amount showed an increased cellular uptake and stronger cytotoxicity against MDR KBv cells. Moreover, the micelles modified by targeting ligand of folic acid exhibited better antitumor effect on folate receptor over-expressing KBv cells. The study provides a method for overcoming MDR in cancer therapy.
