Bioengineered aptamer-nanoconjugates for cancer theragnosis

Synergistic vesicle-vector systems for targeted delivery

With the immense progress in drug delivery systems (DDS) and the rise of nanotechnology, challenges such as target specificity remain. The vesicle-vector system (VVS) is a delivery system that uses lipid-based vesicles as vectors for a targeted drug delivery. When modified with target-probing materials, these vesicles become powerful vectors for drug delivery with high target specificity. In this review, we discuss three general types of VVS based on different modification strategies: (1) vesicle-probes; (2) vesicle-vesicles; and (3) genetically engineered vesicles. The synthesis of each VVS type and their corresponding properties that are advantageous for targeted drug delivery, are also highlighted. The applications, challenges, and limitations of VVS are briefly examined. Finally, we share a number of insights and perspectives regarding the future of VVS as a targeted drug delivery system at the nanoscale.

Aptamer-Programmed DNA Nanodevices for Advanced, Targeted Cancer Theranostics

DNA has been demonstrated to be a versatile material for construction at the nanoscale. DNA nanodevices are highly programmable and allow functionalization with multiple entities such as imaging modalities (fluorophores), targeting entities (aptamers), drug conjugation (chemical linkers), and triggered release (photoresponsive molecules). These features enhance the use of DNA nanodevices in biological applications, catalyzing the rapid growth of this domain of research. In this review, we focus on recent progress in the development and use of aptamer-functionalized DNA nanodevices as theranostic agents, their characterization, applications as delivery platforms, and advantages. We provide a brief background on the development of aptamers and DNA nanodevices in biomedical applications, and we present specific applications of these entities in cancer diagnosis and therapeutics. We conclude with a perspective on the challenges and possible solutions for the clinical translation of aptamer-functionalized DNA nanodevices in the domain of cancer therapeutics.

Aptamer and Peptide-Modified Lipid-Based Drug Delivery Systems in Application of Combined Sequential Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is known as the most common malignancy of the hepatobiliary system with a continued increase in incidence but limited therapeutic options. Nanomedicine has provided a promising strategy through engineered nanocarriers that are capable of targeting therapeutic agents specifically to tumor cells. In this research, two aptamer/peptide-modified lipid-based drug delivery systems (A54-PEG-SLN/OXA and A15-PEG-SLN/SAL) were developed as a sequential therapeutic strategy to conquer specific hepatocellular carcinoma. The nanomedicine A54-PEG-SLN/OXA was able to target specific hepatocellular carcinoma cell BEL-7402 and exhibited a strong targeting ability and antitumor efficiency both in vitro and in vivo. The A15-PEG-SLN/SAL could target and penetrate deeply to the spheroid composed of CD133+ cancer cells. In the study of developing a sequential therapeutic strategy, we demonstrated that A54-PEG-SLN/OXA could kill tumor cells and expose CD133+ cancer cells. After the administration of A15-PEG-SLN/SAL, the growth of the tumors was significantly inhibited. In conclusion, the aptamer/peptide-modified lipid-based drug delivery systems, A54-PEG-SLN/OXA and A15-PEG-SLN/SAL, could specifically target carcinoma cells and had an evident antitumor effect when administrated sequentially.