A comparative in vitro evaluation of self-assembled PTX-PLA and PTX-MPEG-PLA nanoparticles

Angiopep-2-Functionalized Lipid Cubosomes for Blood-Brain Barrier Crossing and Glioblastoma Treatment

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer with high malignancy and resistance to conventional treatments, resulting in a bleak prognosis. Nanoparticles offer a way to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and deliver precise therapies to tumor sites with reduced side effects. In this study, we developed angiopep-2 (Ang2)-functionalized lipid cubosomes loaded with cisplatin (CDDP) and temozolomide (TMZ) for crossing the BBB and providing targeted glioblastoma therapy. Developed lipid cubosomes showed a particle size of around 300 nm and possessed an internal ordered inverse primitive cubic phase, a high conjugation efficiency of Ang2 to the particle surface, and an encapsulation efficiency of more than 70% of CDDP and TMZ. In vitro models, including BBB hCMEC/D3 cell tight monolayer, 3D BBB cell spheroid, and microfluidic BBB/GBM-on-a-chip models with cocultured BBB and glioblastoma cells, were employed to study the efficiency of the developed cubosomes to cross the BBB and showed that Ang2-functionalized cubosomes can penetrate the BBB more effectively. Furthermore, Ang2-functionalized cubosomes showed significantly higher uptake by U87 glioblastoma cells, with a 3-fold increase observed in the BBB/GBM-on-a-chip model as compared to that of the bare cubosomes. Additionally, the in vivo biodistribution showed that Ang2 modification could significantly enhance the brain accumulation of cubosomes in comparison to that of non-functionalized particles. Moreover, CDDP-loaded Ang2-functionalized cubosomes presented an enhanced toxic effect on U87 spheroids. These findings suggest that the developed Ang2-cubosomes are prospective for improved BBB crossing and enhanced delivery of therapeutics to glioblastoma and are worth pursuing further as a potential application of nanomedicine for GBM treatment.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of immune response of poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles with different end groups

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has excellent properties of biodegradability and biocompatibility, which is a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved biopolymer for the preparation of safe and effective vaccines, drugs, and gene delivery systems. However, there still exists a great problem whether and how the end group affects the immune response of PLA vaccines. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo of immune response of PLA nanoparticles (NPs) with carboxyl (COOH) and ester (COOR) end groups. In vitro experiments suggested COOH NPs could promote the higher phagocytosis and activation of bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs) with a lower cytotoxicity. In vivo experiments showed that COOR NPs and COOH NPs could strongly elicit IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a responses both in the short and long-terms. However, the highest T cell and B cell activation, and central memory T cells response was induced by COOH NPs. In addition, the COOH NPs could significantly enhance splenocytes proliferation and cytokines secretion. Thus, the PLA with the COOH end group shows greater potential as efficient carrier materials of NPs for enhancing cellular and humoral immune responses.

3D collagen porous scaffold carrying PLGA-PTX/SDF-1α recruits and promotes neural stem cell differentiation for spinal cord injury repair

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), one of the major factors of disability, can cause irreversible motor and sensory impairment. There are no effective therapeutic drugs and technologies available in domestic or foreign countries currently. Neural stem cells (NSCs), with the potential for multidirectional differentiation, are a potential treatment for SCI. However, it has been demonstrated that NSCs primarily differentiated into astrocytes rather than neurons due to the inflammatory microenvironment, and the current challenge remains to direct the differentiation of NSCs into neurons in the lesion site. It was reported that the microtubule-stabilizing agent paclitaxel (PTX) was able to promote the differentiation of NSCs into neurons rather than astrocytes after SCI. SDF-1α can recruit NSCs and thus guide the migration of stem cells. In this study, we developed a functional collagen scaffold by loading SDF-1α and nanoparticle-encapsulated PLGA-PTX into a 3D collagen porous scaffold, allowing for slow release of PTX. When the functional scaffolds were implanted into the injury site, it provided a neural regeneration conduit channel for the migration of NSCs and neuronal differentiation. Neural regeneration promoted the recovery of motor function and reduced glial scar formation after SCI. In conclusion, a 3D collagen porous scaffold combined with PLGA-PTX and SDF-1α is a promising therapeutic strategy for SCI repair.

Anti-lung cancer effect of paclitaxel solid lipid nanoparticles delivery system with curcumin as co-loading partner in vitro and in vivo

The main aim of this study was to improve the therapeutic potential of a paclitaxel (PTX) and curcumin (CU) combination regimen using solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). PTX and CU were successfully co-encapsulated at a predetermined ratio in SLNs (PC-SLNs) with high encapsulation efficiency (CU: 97.6%, PTX: 95.8%), appropriate particle size (121.8 ± 1.69 nm), small PDI (0.267 ± 0.023), and negative zeta potential (–30.4 ± 1.25 mV). Compared with PTX or the combination of CU and PTX (CU + PTX), PC-SLNs can greatly reduce the dose of PTX while still achieving the same therapeutic effect on four cancer cell lines, among which the inhibitory effect on A549 lung cancer cells was the strongest. PC-SLNs improved the area under the curve (CU: 1.40-fold; PTX: 2.88-fold), prolonged the residence time (CU: 6.94-fold; PTX: 2.51-fold), and increased the half-life (CU: 5.62-fold; PTX: 6.46-fold), achieving long circulation. PC-SLNs were used to treat lung cancer in a nude mouse xenograft tumor model and the tumor suppression rate reached 78.42%, while those of PTX and (CU + PTX) were 40.53% and 51.56%, respectively. As PC-SLNs can prevent P-glycoprotein efflux, reverse MDR and downregulate the NF-κB pathway. PC-SLNs are a potential antineoplastic agent that is more effective and less toxic in treating lung cancer.

Green nanofiber mat from HLM–PVA–Pectin (Hibiscus leaves mucilage–polyvinyl alcohol–pectin) polymeric blend using electrospinning technique as a novel material in wound-healing process

The present work is focused on fabrication of novel nanofiber (NF) mat as wound-healing scaffold using blends of novel combination of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaves mucilage (HLM)–Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–Pectin, which was never reported previously. Different ratios of the polymeric blends were electrospun by setting different parameters to achieve best possible electrospun nanofiber mat which was later crosslinked by glutaraldehyde vapor. The optimized formulation of nanofiber mat was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The crosslinked sample was evaluated for its efficacy in wound healing using Swiss albino mice model, where rapid healing of excised wound was observed with faster epithelization in test mice group than control mice within a period of 8 days. The hemolysis test with optimized crosslinked nanofiber mat CrNF(S7-CL) indicated it to be hemo-compatible. There were no traces of optimized CrNF(S7-CL) when placed under the skin hypodermis in test mice groups revealing its biodegradable nature. The degradation pattern of CrNF(S7-CL) in soil reflects its eco-friendly behavior. Thus, the prepared nanofiber grade CrNF(S7-CL) can be considered as a novel material for faster wound healing and can also be explored for other biomedical applications.

Stability Enhancement and Skin Permeation Application of Nicotine by Forming Inclusion Complex with β-Cyclodextrin and Methyl-β-Cyclodextrin

Nicotine is widely used in pharmaceutical industries, especially for smoking cessation in the form of transdermal patches. Nicotine gel in the patches has limitations from nicotine instability and high volatility. Thus, a nicotine preservation technique is needed. In this study, a nicotine encapsulation process using methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) is investigated and compared with β-cyclodextrin (βCD) to evaluate the preservation and skin permeation of nicotine. The M06-2X/6-31G(d,p) density functional theory calculations indicate a 1:1 host–guest molar ratio for the inclusion complex of nicotine with βCD and MβCD, which have been validated by experimental studies. The encapsulation efficiencies of βCD and MβCD to encapsulate nicotine are 59.96% and 63.76%, respectively. The preservation study of the inclusion complexes compared to pure nicotine shows a stability improvement of nicotine after being encapsulated. After 21 days, the percentages of the nicotine/βCD and nicotine/MβCD inclusion complexes that remain are 89.32% and 76.22%, while only 65.56% of pure nicotine remains. Besides the one-hour skin permeation tests, the amounts of nicotine permeated through pig skin from the nicotine/βCD and nicotine/MβCD inclusion complex gels are 14 and 10 times as much as the pure nicotine gel, respectively. Therefore, the encapsulation of nicotine with βCD and MβCD can be used to enhance the stability and skin permeation application of nicotine-containing products.

Electrospun paclitaxel delivery system based on PGCL/PLGA in local therapy combined with brachytherapy

The local administration of different drugs in anticancer therapy continue to attract attention. Thus, the idea of local delivery of cytostatics from nonwoven-structured polyesters seems to be highly desirable. It could reduce systemic drug levels and provide high local concentration of the chemotherapeutics at the tumor site and contribute to enhance the efficiency of the anticancer therapy. Poly(glycolide-ɛ-caprolactone) (PGCL) and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) synthesized with zirconium-based initiator have been used to prepare electrospun, drug-eluting patches since they possess very good fiber-forming ability. Well-known chemotherapeutic drug-paclitaxel has been loaded into fibrous structure as a model anticancer agent in order to obtain drug delivery systems for local administration. The drug dose in obtained nonwovens might be regulated by the thickness and total area of the implanted patches. Electrospinning of PGCL/PLGA blend allowed to obtain soft and flexible implantable materials. Flexibility has been important factor since it ensures convenient use when covering a tumor or filling a resection cavity. The effectiveness of designed nonwovens presented in the study has been tested in vivo on mouse model of breast cancer. The growth of the tumors was slowed down during in vivo study in comparison with drug-free nonwovens- The volume of the tumor was 40% lower. Drug-loaded electrospun systems implanted locally to the tumor site was further combined with brachytherapy which improved the effectiveness of the therapy in about 18%. Detailed analysis of the nonwovens before and during degradation process has been performed by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Gel Permeation Chromatography, X-ray Diffraction. The molar mass changes of the nonwoven were quite rapid contrary to changes of comonomer unit content, thermal properties and morphology of the fiber.

Role of non-coding RNAs in modulating the response of cancer cells to paclitaxel treatment

Paclitaxel is a chemotherapeutic substance that is administered for treatment of an extensive spectrum of human malignancies. In spite of its potent short-term effects against tumor cells, resistance to paclitaxel occurs in a number of patients precluding its long-term application in these patients. Non-coding RNAs have been shown to influence response of cancer cells to this chemotherapeutic agent via different mechanisms. Mechanistically, these transcripts regulate expression of several genes particularly those being involved in the apoptotic processes. Lots of in vivo and in vitro assays have demonstrated the efficacy of oligonucleotide-mediated microRNAs (miRNA)/ long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) silencing in enhancement of response of cancer cells to paclitaxel. Therefore, targeted therapies against non-coding RNAs have been suggested as applicable modalities for combatting resistance to this agent. In the present review, we provide a summary of studies which assessed the role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in conferring resistance to paclitaxel.

Amphiphilic mPEG-Modified Oligo-Phenylalanine Nanoparticles Chemoenzymatically Synthesized via Papain

Amphiphilic mPEG-modified peptide nanoparticles were developed from oligo-phenylalanine (OPhe) nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized via papain. Tyndall effects indicate that OPhe NPs are amphiphobic. Addition of protein perturbants, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and urea, in the dispersion solution of OPhe NPs can significantly reduce the R _h,m value of NPs, from approximately 749.2 nm to about 200 nm. Therefore, the hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding play major roles in maintaining the aggregation of OPhe NPs. Using the "grafting to" method, the methoxypolyethylene-modified OPhe NPs (mPEG-g-OPhe NPs) were synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ¹H NMR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectrum of OPhe NPs and mPEG-g-OPhe NPs demonstrate that the secondary structures of these NPs are mainly β-type. mPEG-g-OPhe NPs can self-aggregate into spherical micelles both in water and cyclohexane. Increasing the chain length of the mPEG moiety, the critical micellar concentrations of mPEG-g-OPhe NPs increased in water but decreased in cyclohexane. The light stability, thermal stability, hydrolysis stability, and encapsulation stability of curcumin were significantly promoted by encapsulation in the micelles formed by mPEG-g-OPhe NPs. The protective effects regularly varied with the variations in the mPEG chain length of mPEG-g-OPhe NPs.

Symmetrical substituted glycolides: methodology and polymerization

Poly(substituted glycolide)s have emerged during the past decades to create extraordinary breakthroughs in a wide range of therapeutic applications due to superior properties as an alternative to PLA and PLGA systems.

Sustained Release of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) from Poly(Lactic Acid) Functionalized 4-Hydroxythiobenzamide Microparticles to Protect Against Oxidative Damage

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has emerged as a gaseous mediator capable of exhibiting many beneficial properties including cytoprotection, anti-inflammation, and vasodilation. The study presented here provides characterization of a poly(lactic acid) polymer with a functionalized 4-hydroxythiobenzamide (PLA-4HTB) capable of extended H2S release. The polymer was used to fabricate microparticles that can be potentially loaded with a drug allowing for co-release of the drug and H2S. Microparticles with the average diameter of 500 ± 207 nm were fabricated and shown to release 77.0 ± 1.76 µM of H2S over 4 weeks (release of H2S from 1 mg of particles). To test for the antioxidant properties of the PLA-4HTB microparticles, human embryonic kidney 293 cells were first incubated with PLA-4HTB microparticles and then oxidative stress was induced using CoCl2. Particle suspensions of 1 mg/mL were shown to protect cells resulting in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of superoxide that were similar to that of the control group. The microparticles fabricated from the PLA-4HTB released H2S over a sustained period of weeks to months, while providing protection from ROS. The microparticles described in this article represent a new platform technology that could be used to prevent and treat diseases caused by oxidative damage.

On-Chip Preparation of Amphiphilic Nanomicelles-in-Sodium Alginate Spheroids as a Novel Platform Against Triple-Negative Human Breast Cancer Cells: Fabrication, Study of Microfluidics Flow Hydrodynamics and Proof of Concept for Anticancer and Drug Delivery Applications

Spheroidal microparticles versatility as a drug carrier makes it a real workhorse in drug delivery applications. Despite of their long history, few research publications emphasize on how to improve their potential targeting ability, production rate, and dissolution characteristics. The current research presents an example of the combined state of the art of nano- and microparticles development technologies. Here in a novel on-chip, microfluidics approach is developed for encapsulating amphiphilic nanomicelles-in-sodium alginate spheroid. The designed nano-in-micro drug delivery system revealed a superior cytotoxicity against triple-negative human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231), besides, a more sustained release of the drug. Hydrodynamics of the designed microchip was also investigated as a function of different flow rates with an insight on the dimensionless numbers; capillary number and Weber number throughout the microchannels. Our study confirmed the efficient encapsulation of nanomicelles within the alginate shell. The current microfluidics approach can be efficiently applied for uniform production of nano-in-microparticles with potential anticancer capability.

Preparation, In Vivo and In Vitro Release of Polyethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether-Polymandelic Acid Microspheres Loaded Panax Notoginseng Saponins

In order to enrich the types of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) sustained-release preparations and provide a new research idea for the research and development of traditional Chinese medicine sustained-release formulations, a series of Panax notoginseng saponins microspheres was prepared by a double emulsion method using a series of degradable amphiphilic macromolecule materials polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether-polymandelic acid (mPEG-PMA) as carrier. The structure and molecular weight of the series of mPEG-PMA were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1 HNMR) and gel chromatography (GPC). The results of the appearance, particle size, drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of the drug-loaded microspheres show that the mPEG10000-PMA (1:9) material is more suitable as a carrier for loading the total saponins of Panax notoginseng. The particle size was 2.51 ± 0.21 μm, the drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were 8.54 ± 0.16% and 47.25 ± 1.64%, respectively. The drug-loaded microspheres were used for in vitro release and degradation experiments to investigate the degradation and sustained release behaviour of the drug-loaded microspheres. The biocompatibility of the microspheres was studied by haemolytic, anticoagulant and cytotoxicity experiments. The pharmacological activity of the microspheres was studied by anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour experiments. The results showed that the drug-loaded microspheres could be released stably for about 12 days and degraded within 60 days. At the same time, the microspheres had good biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour activities.

Magnetically Guided Self-Assembled Protein Micelles for Enhanced Delivery of Dasatinib to Human Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Magnetic nanocarriers are useful in targeted cancer therapy. Dasatinib (DAS)-loaded magnetic micelles were prepared for magnetically guided drug delivery. The magnetic nanoplatform is composed of hydrophobic oleic acid-coated magnetite (Fe₃O₄) core along with DAS encapsulated in amphiphilic zein-lactoferrin self-assembled polymeric micelles. Transmission electron microscope analysis manifested formation of these magnetic micelles with a mean diameter of about 100 nm. In addition, drug-loaded magnetic micelles displayed a saturation magnetization of about 10.01 emu.g^-1 with a superparamagnetic property. They also showed good in vitro serum stability and hemocompatibility accompanied with a sustained release of DAS in acidic pH. More importantly, they exhibited 1.35-fold increase in their in vitro cytotoxicity against triple-negative human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) using an external magnetic field compared to drug-loaded magnetic micelles in the absence of a magnetic field. Enhanced inhibition of p-c-Src protein expression level and in vitro cellular migration under the effect of magnetic field was noted owing to the dual-targeting strategy offered by the presence of a magnetic sensitive core, as well as the active targeting property of lactoferrin corona. Taken all together, these results suggest that DAS-loaded magnetic micelles possess a great potential for targeted therapy of breast cancer.

The evaluation of cellular uptake efficiency and tumor-targeting ability of MPEG–PDLLA micelles: effect of particle size

The study reported herein describes the cellular uptake efficiency and tumor-targeting ability of MPEG–PDLLA micelles with two different particle sizes.

A toxic organic solvent-free technology for the preparation of PEGylated paclitaxel nanosuspension based on human serum albumin for effective cancer therapy

Clinically, paclitaxel (PTX) is one of most commonly prescribed therapies against a wide range of solid neoplasms. Despite its success, the clinical applicability of PTX (Taxol^®) is severely hampered by systemic toxicities induced by Cremophor EL. While attempts to bypass the need for Cremophor EL have been developed through platforms such as Abraxane™, nab™ relies heavily on the use of organic solvents, namely, chloroform. The toxicity introduced by residual chloroform poses a potential risk to patient health. To mitigate the toxicities of toxic organic solvent-based manufacture methods, we have designed a method for the formulation of PTX nanosuspensions (PTX-PEG [polyethylene glycol]-HSA [human serum albumin]) that eliminates the dependence on toxic organic solvents. Coined the solid-dispersion technology, this technique permits the dispersion of PTX into PEG skeleton without the use of organic solvents or Cremophor EL as a solubilizer. Once the PTX-PEG dispersion is complete, the dispersion can be formulated with HSA into nanosuspensions suitable for intravenous administration. Additionally, the incorporation of PEG permits the prolonged circulation through the steric stabilization effect. Finally, HSA-mediated targeting permits active receptor-mediated endocytosis for enhanced tumor uptake and reduced side effects. By eliminating the need for both Cremophor EL and organic solvents while simultaneously increasing antitumor efficacy, this method provides a superior alternative to currently accepted methods for PTX delivery.

Evaluation of self-assembled HCPT-loaded PEG-b-PLA nanoparticles by comparing with HCPT-loaded PLA nanoparticles

We present a dialysis technique to prepare the 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT)-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) using methoxypolyethylene glycol-poly(D,L-lactide) (PEG-b-PLA) and PLA, respectively. Both HCPT-loaded PEG-b-PLA NPs and HCPT-loaded PLA NPs were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The results showed that the HCPT-loaded PEG-b-PLA NPs and HCPT-loaded PLA NPs presented a hydrodynamic particle size of 120.1 and 226.8 nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.057 and 0.207, a zeta potential of -31.2 and -45.7 mV, drug encapsulation efficiency of 44.52% and 44.94%, and drug-loaded content of 7.42% and 7.49%, respectively. The HCPT-loaded PEG-b-PLA NPs presented faster drug release rate compared to the HCPT-loaded PLA NPs. The HCPT-loaded PEG-b-PLA NPs presented higher cytotoxicity than the HCPT-loaded PLA NPs. These results suggested that the HCPT-loaded PEG-b-PLA NPs presented better characteristics for drug delivery compared to HCPT-loaded PLA NPs.

Validation of a Janus role of methotrexate-based PEGylated chitosan nanoparticles in vitro

Recently, methotrexate (MTX) has been used to target to folate (FA) receptor-overexpressing cancer cells for targeted drug delivery. However, the systematic evaluation of MTX as a Janus-like agent has not been reported before. Here, we explored the validity of using MTX playing an early-phase cancer-specific targeting ligand cooperated with a late-phase therapeutic anticancer agent based on the PEGylated chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) as drug carriers. Some advantages of these nanoscaled drug delivery systems are as follows: (1) the NPs can ensure minimal premature release of MTX at off-target site to reduce the side effects to normal tissue; (2) MTX can function as a targeting ligand at target site prior to cellular uptake; and (3) once internalized by the target cell, the NPs can function as a prodrug formulation, releasing biologically active MTX inside the cells. The (MTX + PEG)-CS-NPs presented a sustained/proteases-mediated drug release. More importantly, compared with the PEG-CS-NPs and (FA + PEG)-CS-NPs, the (MTX + PEG)-CS-NPs showed a greater cellular uptake. Furthermore, the (MTX + PEG)-CS-NPs demonstrated a superior cytotoxicity compare to the free MTX. Our findings therefore validated that the MTX-loaded PEGylated CS-NPs can simultaneously target and treat FA receptor-overexpressing cancer cells.

pH-responsive micelles based on (PCL)2(PDEA-b-PPEGMA)2 miktoarm polymer: controlled synthesis, characterization, and application as anticancer drug carrier

Amphiphilic A2(BC)2 miktoarm star polymers [poly(ϵ-caprolactone)]2-[poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-b- poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)]2 [(PCL)2(PDEA-b-PPEGMA)2] were developed by a combination of ring opening polymerization (ROP) and continuous activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP). The critical micelle concentration (CMC) values were extremely low (0.0024 to 0.0043 mg/mL), depending on the architecture of the polymers. The self-assembled empty and doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded micelles were spherical in morphologies, and the average sizes were about 63 and 110 nm. The release of DOX at pH 5.0 was much faster than that at pH 6.5 and pH 7.4. Moreover, DOX-loaded micelles could effectively inhibit the growth of cancer cells HepG2 with IC50 of 2.0 μg/mL. Intracellular uptake demonstrated that DOX was delivered into the cells effectively after the cells were incubated with DOX-loaded micelles. Therefore, the pH-sensitive (PCL)2(PDEA-b-PPEGMA)2 micelles could be a prospective candidate as anticancer drug carrier for hydrophobic drugs with sustained release behavior.

Single-step assembly of polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles for mitomycin C delivery

Mitomycin C is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents for a wide spectrum of cancers, but its clinical use is still hindered by the mitomycin C (MMC) delivery systems. In this study, the MMC-loaded polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by a single-step assembly (ACS Nano 2012, 6:4955 to 4965) of MMC-soybean phosphatidyhlcholine (SPC) complex (Mol. Pharmaceutics 2013, 10:90 to 101) and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) polymers for intravenous MMC delivery. The advantage of the MMC-SPC complex on the polymer-lipid hybrid NPs was that MMC-SPC was used as a structural element to offer the integrity of the hybrid NPs, served as a drug preparation to increase the effectiveness and safety and control the release of MMC, and acted as an emulsifier to facilitate and stabilize the formation. Compared to the PLA NPs/MMC, the PLA NPs/MMC-SPC showed a significant accumulation of MMC in the nuclei as the action site of MMC. The PLA NPs/MMC-SPC also exhibited a significantly higher anticancer effect compared to the PLA NPs/MMC or free MMC injection in vitro and in vivo. These results suggested that the MMC-loaded polymer-lipid hybrid NPs might be useful and efficient drug delivery systems for widening the therapeutic window of MMC and bringing the clinical use of MMC one step closer to reality.