The effect of multistage nanovector targeting of VEGFR2 positive tumor endothelia on cell adhesion and local payload accumulation

Silicon-containing nanomedicine and biomaterials: materials chemistry, multi-dimensional design, and biomedical application

The invention of silica-based bioactive glass in the late 1960s has sparked significant interest in exploring a wide range of silicon-containing biomaterials from the macroscale to the nanoscale. Over the past few decades, these biomaterials have been extensively explored for their potential in diverse biomedical applications, considering their remarkable bioactivity, excellent biocompatibility, facile surface functionalization, controllable synthesis, etc. However, to expedite the clinical translation and the unexpected utilization of silicon-composed nanomedicine and biomaterials, it is highly desirable to achieve a thorough comprehension of their characteristics and biological effects from an overall perspective. In this review, we provide a comprehensive discussion on the state-of-the-art progress of silicon-composed biomaterials, including their classification, characteristics, fabrication methods, and versatile biomedical applications. Additionally, we highlight the multi-dimensional design of both pure and hybrid silicon-composed nanomedicine and biomaterials and their intrinsic biological effects and interactions with biological systems. Their extensive biomedical applications span from drug delivery and bioimaging to therapeutic interventions and regenerative medicine, showcasing the significance of their rational design and fabrication to meet specific requirements and optimize their theranostic performance. Additionally, we offer insights into the future prospects and potential challenges regarding silicon-composed nanomedicine and biomaterials. By shedding light on these exciting research advances, we aspire to foster further progress in the biomedical field and drive the development of innovative silicon-composed nanomedicine and biomaterials with transformative applications in biomedicine.

Novel anti-VEGFR2 antibody-conjugated nanobubbles for targeted ultrasound molecular imaging in a rabbit VX2 hepatic tumor model

Nanobubbles (NBs), as ultrasound contrast agents, possess the potential for clinical applications in targeted ultrasound molecular imaging due to their small diameters and the specific molecular markers attached. Previous research studies mainly focused on the tumor-specific recruitment capability or drug carriers based on subcutaneous tumor models. In clinical trials, orthotopic tumor models are considered more clinically relevant and better predictive models for assessing drug efficacy compared to standard subcutaneous models. Here, we first prepared uniform-sized NBs with a soft chitosan-lipid membrane containing perfluoropropane gas and then anti-VEGFR2 antibodies were incorporated into NB membranes in order to achieve targeting ability toward tumor angiogenesis. The results of physicochemical characterization (the average size of 260.9 ± 3.3 nm and a PDI of 0.168 ± 0.036, n = 3) indicated that the targeted nanobubbles (tNBsv) have a spherical morphology and a vacant core. In vitro experiments found that the contrast enhancement abilities of tNBsv are similar to those of commercial SonoVue. In in vivo experiments, the orthotopic model of the rabbit VX2 hepatic tumor was used to evaluate the targeted binding ability of tNBsv toward tumor angiogenesis. Ultrasound sonograms revealed that tNBsv achieved the peak intensity of ultrasound imaging enhancement in the region of peripheral vasculature of VX2 tumors over non-targeted NBs or SonoVue, and the imaging time was longer than that of the other two. Ex vivo fluorescence imaging and examination using a confocal laser scanning microscope further verified that tNBsv were capable of binding to tumor angiogenesis. These results from our studies suggested that tNBsv are useful to develop an ultrasound imaging probe to evaluate anti-angiogenic cancer therapy by monitoring tumor angiogenesis.

Lysyl oxidase engineered lipid nanovesicles for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer

In the field of oncology research, a deeper understanding of tumor biology has shed light on the role of environmental conditions surrounding cancer cells. In this regard, targeting the tumor microenvironment has recently emerged as a new way to access this disease. In this work, a novel extracellular matrix (ECM)-targeting nanotherapeutic was engineered using a lipid-based nanoparticle chemically linked to an inhibitor of the ECM-related enzyme, lysyl oxidase 1 (LOX), that inhibits the crosslinking of elastin and collagen fibers. We demonstrated that, when the conjugated vesicles were loaded with the chemotherapeutic epirubicin, superior inhibition of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell growth was observed both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, in vivo results displayed prolonged survival, minimal cytotoxicity, and enhanced biocompatibility compared to free epirubicin and epirubicin-loaded nanoparticles. This all-in-one nano-based ECM-targeting chemotherapeutic may provide a key-enabling technology for the treatment of TNBC.

Development and Characterization of PLGA-Based Multistage Delivery System for Enhanced Payload Delivery to Targeted Vascular Endothelium

Vascular-targeted drug delivery remains an attractive platform for therapeutic and diagnostic interventions in human diseases. This work focuses on the development of a poly-lactic-co-glycolic-acid (PLGA)-based multistage delivery system (MDS). MDS consists of two stages: a micron-sized PLGA outer shell and encapsulated drug-loaded PLGA nanoparticles. Nanoparticles with average diameters of 76, 119, and 193 nm are successfully encapsulated into 3-6 µm MDS. Sustained in vitro release of nanoparticles from MDS is observed for up to 7 days. Both MDS and nanoparticles arebiocompatible with human endothelial cells. Sialyl-Lewis-A (sLe^A ) is successfully immobilized on the MDS and nanoparticle surfaces to enable specific targeting of inflamed endothelium. Functionalized MDS demonstrates a 2.7-fold improvement in endothelial binding compared to PLGA nanoparticles from human blood laminar flow. Overall, the presented results demonstrate successful development and characterization of MDS and suggest that MDS can serve as an effective drug carrier, which can enhance the margination of nanoparticles to the targeted vascular wall.

Manipulation of immune‒vascular crosstalk: new strategies towards cancer treatment

Tumor vasculature is characterized by aberrant structure and function, resulting in immune suppressive profiles of tumor microenvironment through limiting immune cell infiltration into tumors, endogenous immune surveillance and immune cell function. Vascular normalization as a novel therapeutic strategy tends to prune some of the immature blood vessels and fortify the structure and function of the remaining vessels, thus improving immune stimulation and the efficacy of immunotherapy. Interestingly, the presence of "immune‒vascular crosstalk" enables the formation of a positive feedback loop between vascular normalization and immune reprogramming, providing the possibility to develop new cancer therapeutic strategies. The applications of nanomedicine in vascular-targeting therapy in cancer have gained increasing attention due to its specific physical and chemical properties. Here, we reviewed the recent advances of effective routes, especially nanomedicine, for normalizing tumor vasculature. We also summarized the development of enhancing nanoparticle-based anticancer drug delivery via the employment of transcytosis and mimicking immune cell extravasation. This review explores the potential to optimize nanomedicine-based therapeutic strategies as an alternative option for cancer treatment.

Endosomal Escape of Polymer-Coated Silica Nanoparticles in Endothelial Cells

Current investigations into hazardous nanoparticles (i.e., nanotoxicology) aim to understand the working mechanisms that drive toxicity. This understanding has been used to predict the biological impact of the nanocarriers as a function of their synthesis, material composition, and physicochemical characteristics. It is particularly critical to characterize the events that immediately follow cell stress resulting from nanoparticle internalization. While reactive oxygen species and activation of autophagy are universally recognized as mechanisms of nanotoxicity, the progression of these phenomena during cell recovery has yet to be comprehensively evaluated. Herein, primary human endothelial cells are exposed to controlled concentrations of polymer-functionalized silica nanoparticles to induce lysosomal damage and achieve cytosolic delivery. In this model, the recovery of cell functions lost following endosomal escape is primarily represented by changes in cell distribution and the subsequent partitioning of particles into dividing cells. Furthermore, multilamellar bodies are found to accumulate around the particles, demonstrating progressive endosomal escape. This work provides a set of biological parameters that can be used to assess cell stress related to nanoparticle exposure and the subsequent recovery of cell processes as a function of endosomal escape.

Cell membrane protein functionalization of nanoparticles as a new tumor-targeting strategy

Nanoparticles have seen considerable popularity as effective tools for drug delivery. However, non-specific targeting continues to remain a challenge. Recently, biomimetic nanoparticles have emerged as an innovative solution that exploits biologically-derived components to improve therapeutic potential. Specifically, cell membrane proteins extracted from various cells (i.e., leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets, mesenchymal stem cells, cancer) have shown considerable promise in bestowing nanoparticles with increased circulation and targeting efficacy. Traditional nanoparticles can be detected and removed by the immune system which significantly hinders their clinical success. Biomimicry has been proposed as a promising approach to overcome these limitations. In this review, we highlight the current trends in biomimetic nanoparticles and describe how they are being used to increase their chemotherapeutic effect in cancer treatment.

Cell membrane protein functionalization of nanoparticles as a new tumor-targeting strategy

Nanoparticles have seen considerable popularity as effective tools for drug delivery. However, non-specific targeting continues to remain a challenge. Recently, biomimetic nanoparticles have emerged as an innovative solution that exploits biologically-derived components to improve therapeutic potential. Specifically, cell membrane proteins extracted from various cells (i.e., leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets, mesenchymal stem cells, cancer) have shown considerable promise in bestowing nanoparticles with increased circulation and targeting efficacy. Traditional nanoparticles can be detected and removed by the immune system which significantly hinders their clinical success. Biomimicry has been proposed as a promising approach to overcome these limitations. In this review, we highlight the current trends in biomimetic nanoparticles and describe how they are being used to increase their chemotherapeutic effect in cancer treatment.

Trends towards Biomimicry in Theranostics

Over the years, imaging and therapeutic modalities have seen considerable progress as a result of advances in nanotechnology. Theranostics, or the marrying of diagnostics and therapy, has increasingly been employing nano-based approaches to treat cancer. While first-generation nanoparticles offered considerable promise in the imaging and treatment of cancer, toxicity and non-specific distribution hindered their true potential. More recently, multistage nanovectors have been strategically designed to shield and carry a payload to its intended site. However, detection by the immune system and sequestration by filtration organs (i.e., liver and spleen) remains a major obstacle. In an effort to circumvent these biological barriers, recent trends have taken inspiration from biology. These bioinspired approaches often involve the use of biologically-derived cellular components in the design and fabrication of biomimetic nanoparticles. In this review, we provide insight into early nanoparticles and how they have steadily evolved to include bioinspired approaches to increase their theranostic potential.

Targeting Alzheimer's disease with gene and cell therapies

Alzheimer's disease (AD) causes dementia in both young and old people affecting more than 40 million people worldwide. The two neuropathological hallmarks of the disease, amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles consisting of protein tau are considered the major contributors to the disease. However, a more complete picture reveals significant neurodegeneration and decreased cell survival, neuroinflammation, changes in protein and energy homeostasis and alterations in lipid and cholesterol metabolism. In addition, gene and cell therapies for severe neurodegenerative disorders have recently improved technically in terms of safety and efficiency and have translated to the clinic showing encouraging results. Here, we review broadly current data within the field for potential targets that could modify AD through gene and cell therapy strategies. We envision that not only Aβ will be targeted in a disease-modifying treatment strategy but rather that a combination of treatments, possibly at different intervention times may prove beneficial in curing this devastating disease. These include decreased tau pathology, neuronal growth factors to support neurons and modulation of neuroinflammation for an appropriate immune response. Furthermore, cell based therapies may represent potential strategies in the future.

Tailoring Porous Silicon for Biomedical Applications: From Drug Delivery to Cancer Immunotherapy

In the past two decades, porous silicon (PSi) has attracted increasing attention for its potential biomedical applications. With its controllable geometry, tunable nanoporous structure, large pore volume/high specific surface area, and versatile surface chemistry, PSi shows significant advantages over conventional drug carriers. Here, an overview of recent progress in the use of PSi in drug delivery and cancer immunotherapy is presented. First, an overview of the fabrication of PSi with various geometric structures is provided, with particular focus on how the unique geometry of PSi facilitates its biomedical applications, especially for drug delivery. Second, surface chemistry and modification of PSi are discussed in relation to the strengthening of its performance in drug delivery and bioimaging. Emerging technologies for engineering PSi-based composites are then summarized. Emerging PSi advances in the context of cancer immunotherapy are also highlighted. Overall, very promising research results encourage further exploration of PSi for biomedical applications, particularly in drug delivery and cancer immunotherapy, and future translation of PSi into clinical applications.

Ultrasound molecular imaging of breast cancer in MCF-7 orthotopic mice using gold nanoshelled poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanocapsules: a novel dual-targeted ultrasound contrast agent

BACKGROUND

The development of nanoscale molecularly targeted ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) with high affinity and specificity is critical for ultrasound molecular imaging in the early detection of breast cancer.

PURPOSE

To prospectively evaluate ultrasound molecular imaging with dual-targeted gold nanoshelled poly(lactide-co-glycolic acid) nanocapsules carrying vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 2 (VEGFR2) and p53 antibodies (DNCs) in MCF-7 orthotopic mice model.

METHODS

DNCs were fabricated with an inner PLGA and outer gold nanoshell spherical structure. Its targeting capabilities were evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and flow cytometry (FCM) in vitro. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging (CEUS) with DNCs was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively in vitro and in MCF-7 orthotopic mice model by two different systems. The biodistribution of NCs in mice was preliminary investigated. Differences were calculated by using analysis of variance.

RESULTS

DNCs showed a well-defined spherical morphology with an average diameter of 276.90±110.50 nm. In vitro, DNCs exhibited high target specificities (79.01±5.63% vs. 2.11±1.07%, P<0.01; 75.54±6.58% vs. 5.21±3.12%, P<0.01) in VEGFR2- and p53-positive cells compared with control cells. In vivo, CEUS displayed a significantly higher video intensity in two systems using DNCs in comparison with non-targeted PLGA@Au NCs and single-targeted NCs. Biodistribution studies revealed that more DNCs in breast cancer tissue could be detected in mice than in other NCs (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

DNCs were demonstrated to be novel dual-targeted UCAs and may have potential applications in early non-invasive visualization of breast cancer.

Inflammation and Cancer: In Medio Stat Nano

Cancer treatment still remains a challenge due to the several limitations of currently used chemotherapeutics, such as their poor pharmacokinetics, unfavorable chemical properties, as well as inability to discriminate between healthy and diseased tissue. Nanotechnology offered potent tools to overcome these limitations. Drug encapsulation within a delivery system permitted i) to protect the payload from enzymatic degradation/ inactivation in the blood stream, ii) to improve the physicochemical properties of poorly water-soluble drugs, like paclitaxel, and iii) to selectively deliver chemotherapeutics to the cancer lesions, thus reducing the off-target toxicity, and promoting the intracellular internalization. To accomplish this purpose, several strategies have been developed, based on biological and physical changes happening locally and systemically as a consequence of tumorigenesis. Here, we will discuss the role of inflammation in the different steps of tumor development and the strategies based on the use of nanoparticles that exploit the inflammatory pathways in order to selectively target the tumor-associated microenvironment for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.

Bio-inspired engineering of cell- and virus-like nanoparticles for drug delivery

The engineering of future generations of nanodelivery systems aims at the creation of multifunctional vectors endowed with improved circulation, enhanced targeting and responsiveness to the biological environment. Moving past purely bio-inert systems, researchers have begun to create nanoparticles capable of proactively interacting with the biology of the body. Nature offers a wide-range of sources of inspiration for the synthesis of more effective drug delivery platforms. Because the nano-bio-interface is the key driver of nanoparticle behavior and function, the modification of nanoparticles' surfaces allows the transfer of biological properties to synthetic carriers by imparting them with a biological identity. Modulation of these surface characteristics governs nanoparticle interactions with the biological barriers they encounter. Building off these observations, we provide here an overview of virus- and cell-derived biomimetic delivery systems that combine the intrinsic hallmarks of biological membranes with the delivery capabilities of synthetic carriers. We describe the features and properties of biomimetic delivery systems, recapitulating the distinctive traits and functions of viruses, exosomes, platelets, red and white blood cells. By mimicking these biological entities, we will learn how to more efficiently interact with the human body and refine our ability to negotiate with the biological barriers that impair the therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticles.

The Emerging Role of Nanotechnology in Cell and Organ Transplantation

Transplantation is often the only choice many patients have when suffering from end-stage organ failure. Although the quality of life improves after transplantation, challenges, such as organ shortages, necessary immunosuppression with associated complications, and chronic graft rejection, limit its wide clinical application. Nanotechnology has emerged in the past 2 decades as a field with the potential to satisfy clinical needs in the area of targeted and sustained drug delivery, noninvasive imaging, and tissue engineering. In this article, we provide an overview of popular nanotechnologies and a summary of the current and potential uses of nanotechnology in cell and organ transplantation.

Nanoantibiotics: a new paradigm for the treatment of surgical infection

Infections following orthopedic device implantations often impose a substantial health burden and result in high medical costs. Currently, preventative methods are often employed following an orthopedic implant to reduce risk of infection; however, contamination of the surgical site can still occur. Although antibiotics have demonstrated a substantial reduction in bacterial growth and maintenance, biofilm formation around the implant can often minimize efficacy of the antibiotic. Recently, nanotechnology has garnered significant interest, resulting in the development of several antibiotic delivery strategies that exhibit extended release and increased efficacy. In this review, treatment methods of orthopedic-device-related infections will be discussed and an overview of antimicrobial-based nanotechnologies will be provided. Specifically, nonmetal-, metal- and oxide-based nanotechnologies, incorporating antibacterial strategies, will be discussed.

Biomimetic carriers mimicking leukocyte plasma membrane to increase tumor vasculature permeability

Recent advances in the field of nanomedicine have demonstrated that biomimicry can further improve targeting properties of current nanotechnologies while simultaneously enable carriers with a biological identity to better interact with the biological environment. Immune cells for example employ membrane proteins to target inflamed vasculature, locally increase vascular permeability, and extravasate across inflamed endothelium. Inspired by the physiology of immune cells, we recently developed a procedure to transfer leukocyte membranes onto nanoporous silicon particles (NPS), yielding Leukolike Vectors (LLV). LLV are composed of a surface coating containing multiple receptors that are critical in the cross-talk with the endothelium, mediating cellular accumulation in the tumor microenvironment while decreasing vascular barrier function. We previously demonstrated that lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA-1) transferred onto LLV was able to trigger the clustering of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on endothelial cells. Herein, we provide a more comprehensive analysis of the working mechanism of LLV in vitro in activating this pathway and in vivo in enhancing vascular permeability. Our results suggest the biological activity of the leukocyte membrane can be retained upon transplant onto NPS and is critical in providing the particles with complex biological functions towards tumor vasculature.

Multistage Nanovectors Enhance the Delivery of Free and Encapsulated Drugs

Nanoparticles have considerable potential for cancer imaging and therapy due to their small size and prolonged circulation. However, biological barriers can impede the delivery of a sufficient dose of a drug to the target site, thereby also resulting in the accumulation of toxic compounds within healthy tissues, and systemic toxicity. Multistage nanovectors (MSV) preferentially accumulate on inflamed endothelium, and can thus serve as carriers for drugs and nanoparticles. Herein, we describe the loading of free (i.e., melittin) and nano-encapsulated (i.e., doxorubicin-loaded micelles) drugs into MSV, and report the impact of surface charge and pore size on drug loading. For both drug formulations, negatively charged MSV (i.e., oxidized) with larger pores were shown to retain higher concentrations of payloads compared to positively charged (i.e., APTES-modified) MSV with small pores. Treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with melittin-loaded MSV (MEL@MSV) resulted in an 80% reduction in cell viability after 3 days. Furthermore, MEL@MSV conjugated with antivascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) antibodies displayed preferential targeting and delivery of MEL to activated HUVEC expressing VEGFR2. Treatment of HUVEC and MCF7 cells with doxorubicin-loaded micelles (DOXNP@MSV) resulted in a 23% and 47% reduction in cell viability, respectively. Taken together, these results demonstrate increased loading of a payload in oxidized, large pore MSV, and effective delivery of free and nano-encapsulated drugs to endothelial and cancer cells.

The impact of nanoparticle protein corona on cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity and target drug delivery

In a perfect sequence of events, nanoparticles (NPs) are injected into the bloodstream where they circulate until they reach the target tissue. The ligand on the NP surface recognizes its specific receptor expressed on the target tissue and the drug is released in a controlled manner. However, once injected in a physiological environment, NPs interact with biological components and are surrounded by a protein corona (PC). This can trigger an immune response and affect NP toxicity and targeting capabilities. In this review, we provide a survey of recent findings on the NP-PC interactions and discuss how the PC can be used to modulate both cytotoxicity and the immune response as well as to improve the efficacy of targeted delivery of nanocarriers.

Multistage vector (MSV) therapeutics

One of the greatest challenges in the field of medicine is obtaining controlled distribution of systemically administered therapeutic agents within the body. Indeed, biological barriers such as physical compartmentalization, pressure gradients, and excretion pathways adversely affect localized delivery of drugs to pathological tissue. The diverse nature of these barriers requires the use of multifunctional drug delivery vehicles that can overcome a wide range of sequential obstacles. In this review, we explore the role of multifunctionality in nanomedicine by primarily focusing on multistage vectors (MSVs). The MSV is an example of a promising therapeutic platform that incorporates several components, including a microparticle, nanoparticles, and small molecules. In particular, these components are activated in a sequential manner in order to successively address transport barriers.

Cell source determines the immunological impact of biomimetic nanoparticles

Recently, engineering the surface of nanotherapeutics with biologics to provide them with superior biocompatibility and targeting towards pathological tissues has gained significant popularity. Although the functionalization of drug delivery vectors with cellular materials has been shown to provide synthetic particles with unique biological properties, these approaches may have undesirable immunological repercussions upon systemic administration. Herein, we comparatively analyzed unmodified multistage nanovectors and particles functionalized with murine and human leukocyte cellular membrane, dubbed Leukolike Vectors (LLV), and the immunological effects that may arise in vitro and in vivo. Previously, LLV demonstrated an avoidance of opsonization and phagocytosis, in addition to superior targeting of inflammation and prolonged circulation. In this work, we performed a comprehensive evaluation of the importance of the source of cellular membrane in increasing their systemic tolerance and minimizing an inflammatory response. Time-lapse microscopy revealed LLV developed using a cellular coating derived from a murine (i.e., syngeneic) source resulted in an active avoidance of uptake by macrophage cells. Additionally, LLV composed of a murine membrane were found to have decreased uptake in the liver with no significant effect on hepatic function. As biomimicry continues to develop, this work demonstrates the necessity to consider the source of biological material in the development of future drug delivery carriers.

Multistage vector delivery of sulindac and silymarin for prevention of colon cancer

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited condition secondary to germline mutations in the APC gene, thus resulting in the formation of hundreds of colonic adenomas that eventually progress into colon cancer. Surgical removal of the colon remains the only treatment option to avoid malignancy, as long-term exposure to chemopreventive agents such as sulindac (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and silymarin (phytoestrogen) is not feasible. Here, we have developed a multistage silicon-based drug delivery platform for sulindac and silymarin that preferentially interacts with colon cancer cells as opposed to normal intestinal mucosa. Preferential binding and internalization of these drugs into colon cancer cells was obtained using a targeting strategy against the protein meprin A, which we demonstrate is overexpressed in human colon cancer cells and in the small intestine of Apc(Min/+) mice. We propose that this delivery system could potentially be used to reduce drug-induced side effects in FAP patients, thus enabling long-term prevention of adenoma formation.

Physicochemical properties affect the synthesis, controlled delivery, degradation and pharmacokinetics of inorganic nanoporous materials

Controlling size, shape and uniformity of porous constructs remains a major focus of the development of porous materials. Over the past two decades, we have seen significant developments in the fabrication of new, porous-ordered structures using a wide range of materials, resulting in properties well beyond their traditional use. Porous materials have been considered appealing, due to attractive properties such as pore size length, morphology and surface chemistry. Furthermore, their utilization within the life sciences and medicine has resulted in significant developments in pharmaceutics and medical diagnosis. This article focuses on various classes of porous materials, providing an overview of principle concepts with regard to design and fabrication, surface chemistry and loading and release kinetics. Furthermore, predictions from a multiscale mathematical model revealed the role pore length and diameter could have on payload release kinetics.

Liposomal doxorubicin doubly functionalized with CCK8 and R8 peptide sequences for selective intracellular drug delivery

A new dual-ligand liposomal doxorubicin delivery system, which couples targeting to enhanced cellular uptake and may lead to a more efficient drug delivery system, is here designed and synthetized. Liposomes based on the composition 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine/1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-Peg2000-R8/(C18)2-L5-SS-CCK8 (87/8/5 mol/mol/mol) were prepared and loaded with doxorubicin. Presence of the two peptides on the external surface is demonstrated by fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay. The combination of the R8 cell-penetrating peptide and of the CCK8 targeting peptide (homing peptide) on the liposome surface is obtained by combining pre-modification and post-modification methods. In the dual-ligand system, the CCK8 peptide is anchored to the liposome surface by using a disulfide bond. This chemical function is inserted in order to promote the selective cleavage of the homing peptide under the reductive conditions expected in proximity of the tumor site, thus allowing targeting and internalization of the liposomal drug.