Preparation of folic acid-conjugated, doxorubicin-loaded, magnetic bovine serum albumin nanospheres and their antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo

A Novel ANG-BSA/BCNU/ICG MNPs Integrated for Targeting Therapy of Glioblastoma

PURPOSE

Develop an albumin nanoparticle-based nanoprobe for targeted glioblastoma (GBM) diagnosis and treatment, utilizing Angopep-2 for low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) targeting.

METHODS

Combined albumin-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO), Carmustine (BCNU), and indocyanine green (ICG). Assessed morphology, size, Zeta potential, fluorescence, and drug encapsulation. Conducted in vitro fluorescence/MRI imaging and cell viability assays, and in vivo nanoprobe accumulation evaluation in brain tumors.

RESULTS

ANG-BSA/BCNU/ICG MNPs exhibited superior targeting and cytotoxicity against GBM cells in vitro. In vivo, enhanced brain tumor accumulation during imaging was observed.

CONCLUSION

This targeted imaging and drug delivery system holds promise for efficient GBM therapy and intraoperative localization, addressing Blood-brain barrier (BBB) limitations with precise drug delivery and imaging capabilities.

Folic Acid-Functionalized Albumin/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite to Simultaneously Deliver Curcumin and 5-Fluorouracil into Human Colorectal Cancer Cells: An In Vitro Study

Background

Nowadays, due to various inherent properties, graphene-based nanoparticles are widely used in drug delivery research. On the other hand, folate receptors are highly expressed on the surface of human tumor cells. In this work, to enhance the 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and curcumin (Cur) effects on colon cancer, we constructed a folic acid- (FA-) modified codelivery carrier based on graphene nanoparticles (GO-Alb-Cur-FA-5FU).

Materials and Methods

The HUVEC and HT-29 were selected for evaluating the antitumor effect of the prepared nanocarriers. The structure of nanocarriers was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, TEM microscopy, and a DLS analyzer. The efficiency of the prepared carrier was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy using Annexin V and the PI kit. The cytotoxicity of the carrier's component individually and the efficacy of the drug carrier GO-Alb-Cur-FA-5FU were assessed by MTT.

Results

The results of the pharmacological tests indicated that the new nanoparticles cause increased apparent toxicity in HT-29 cells. The apoptosis rate of the HT-29 and HUVEC cells treated with IC50 values of GO-Alb-Cur-FA-5FU for 48 h was higher than the cells treated with IC50 values of 5FU and Cur individually, which indicated the greater inhibitory efficacy of GO-Alb-Cur-FA-5FU than free drugs.

Conclusion

The designed GO-Alb-CUR-FA-5FU delivery system can be applied for targeting colon cancer cells and can be severe as a potential candidate for future drug development.

Doxorubicin Conjugates: An Efficient Approach for Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy with Reduced Side Effects

Continuous drug delivery modification is the scientific approach and is a basic need for the efficient therapeutic efficacy of active drug molecules. Polymer-drug conjugates have long been a hallmark of the drug delivery sector, with various conjugates on the market or in clinical trials. Improved drug solubilization, extended blood circulation, decreased immunogenicity, controlled release behavior, and increased safety are the advantages of conjugating drugs to the polymeric carrier like polyethylene glycol (PEG). Polymer therapies have evolved over the last decade, resulting in polymer-drug conjugates with diverse topologies and chemical properties. Traditional nondegradable polymeric carriers like PEG and hydroxy propyl methacrylate have been clinically employed to fabricate polymer-drug conjugates. Still, functionalized polymer-drug conjugates are increasingly being used to increase localized drug delivery and ease of removal. Researchers have developed multifunctional carriers that can "see and treat" patients using medicinal and diagnostic chemicals. This review focused on the various conjugation approaches for attaching the doxorubicin to different polymers to achieve enhanced therapeutic efficacy, that is, increased bioavailability and reduced adverse effects.

Recent advancement on albumin nanoparticles in treating lung carcinoma

With the advancement of nanotechnology, many different forms of nanoparticles (NPs) are created, which specifically enhance anticancer drug delivery to tumor cells. Albumin bio-macromolecule is a flexible protein carrier for the delivery of drugs that is biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-toxic. As a result, it presents itself as an ideal material for developing nanoparticles for anticancer drug delivery. Toxicological investigations demonstrated that this novel drug delivery technique is safe for use in the human population. Furthermore, drug compatibility with the albumin nanoparticle is remarkable. The robust structure of the nanoparticle, high drug encapsulation, and customizable drug release make it a promising carrier option for the treatment of lung cancer. In this review, we summarize human serum albumin and bovine serum albumin in the targeted delivery of anticancer drugs to lung cancer cells.

Gliadin Nanoparticles Containing Doxorubicin Hydrochloride: Characterization and Cytotoxicity

Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) is a well-known antitumor drug used as first line treatment for many types of malignancies. Despite its clinical relevance, the administration of the compound is negatively affected by dose-dependent off-target toxicity phenomena. Nanotechnology has helped to overcome these important limitations by improving the therapeutic index of the bioactive and promoting the translation of novel nanomedicines into clinical practice. Herein, nanoparticles made up of wheat gliadin and stabilized by polyoxyethylene (2) oleyl ether were investigated for the first time as carriers of DOX. The encapsulation of the compound did not significantly affect the physico-chemical features of the gliadin nanoparticles (GNPs), which evidenced a mean diameter of ~180 nm, a polydispersity index < 0.2 and a negative surface charge. The nanosystems demonstrated great stability regarding temperature (25−50 °C) and were able to retain high amounts of drug, allowing its prolonged and sustained release for up to a week. In vitro viability assay performed against breast cancer cells demonstrated that the nanoencapsulation of DOX modulated the cytotoxicity of the bioactive as a function of the incubation time with respect to the free form of the drug. The results demonstrate the potential use of GNPs as carriers of hydrophilic antitumor compounds.

Engineered Protein-Iron Oxide Hybrid Biomaterial for MRI-traceable Drug Encapsulation

Labeled protein-based biomaterials have become a popular for various biomedical applications such as tissue-engineered, therapeutic, or diagnostic scaffolds. Labeling of protein biomaterials, including with ultrasmall super-paramagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticles, has enabled a wide variety of imaging techniques. These USPIO-based biomaterials are widely studied in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), thermotherapy, and magnetically-driven drug delivery which provide a method for direct and non-invasive monitoring of implants or drug delivery agents. Where most developments have been made using polymers or collagen hydrogels, shown here is the use of a rationally designed protein as the building block for a meso-scale fiber. While USPIOs have been chemically conjugated to antibodies, glycoproteins, and tissue-engineered scaffolds for targeting or improved biocompatibility and stability, these constructs have predominantly served as diagnostic agents and often involve harsh conditions for USPIO synthesis. Here, we present an engineered protein-iron oxide hybrid material comprised of an azide-functionalized coiled-coil protein with small molecule binding capacity conjugated via bioorthogonal azide-alkyne cycloaddition to an alkyne-bearing iron oxide templating peptide, CMms6, for USPIO biomineralization under mild conditions. The coiled-coil protein, dubbed Q, has been previously shown to form nanofibers and, upon small molecule binding, further assembles into mesofibers via encapsulation and aggregation. The resulting hybrid material is capable of doxorubicin encapsulation as well as sensitive T₂*-weighted MRI darkening for strong imaging capability that is uniquely derived from a coiled-coil protein.

Mineral medicine: from traditional drugs to multifunctional delivery systems

Mineral drugs are an important constituent of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Taking minerals that contain heavy metals as drugs is a very national characteristic part of TCM. However, the safety and scientific nature of mineral drugs are controversial owing to their heavy metals and strong toxicity. In 2000, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized arsenic trioxide (ATO) as first-line therapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia. This makes the development and utilization of mineral drugs become a research hotspot. The development of nanomedicine has found a great prospect of mineral drugs in nano-delivery carriers. And that will hold promise to address the numerous biological barriers facing mineral drug formulations. However, the studies on mineral drugs in the delivery system are few at present. There is also a lack of a detailed description of mineral drug delivery systems. In this review, the advanced strategies of mineral drug delivery systems in tumor therapy are summarized. In addition, the therapeutic advantages and research progress of novel mineral drug delivery systems are also discussed. Here, we hope that this will provide a useful reference for the design and application of new mineral drug delivery systems.

A Novel Method of Magnetic Nanoparticles Functionalized with Anti-Folate Receptor Antibody and Methotrexate for Antibody Mediated Targeted Drug Delivery

Therapeutic effects of anticancer medicines can be improved by targeting the specific receptors on cancer cells. Folate receptor (FR) targeting with antibody (Ab) is an effective tool to deliver anticancer drugs to the cancer cell. In this research project, a novel formulation of targeting drug delivery was designed, and its anticancer effects were analyzed. Folic acid-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were used for the purification of folate receptors through a novel magnetic affinity purification method. Antibodies against the folate receptors and methotrexate (MTX) were developed and characterized with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. Targeting nanomedicines (MNP-MTX-FR Ab) were synthesized by engineering the MNP with methotrexate and anti-folate receptor antibody (anti-FR Ab). The cytotoxicity of nanomedicines on HeLa cells was analyzed by calculating the % age cell viability. A fluorescent study was performed with HeLa cells and tumor tissue sections to analyze the binding efficacy and intracellular tracking of synthesized nanomedicines. MNP-MTX-FR Ab demonstrated good cytotoxicity along all the nanocomposites, which confirms that the antibody-coated medicine possesses the potential affinity to destroy cancer cells in the targeted drug delivery process. Immunohistochemical approaches and fluorescent study further confirmed their uptake by FRs on the tumor cells' surface in antibody-mediated endocytosis. The current approach is a useful addition to targeted drug delivery for better management of cancer therapy along with immunotherapy in the future.

Tumor Microenvironment Triggered Cascade-Activation Nanoplatform for Synergistic and Precise Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and deadliest malignancy cancers, which remains a major global health problem. At present, over 50% of patients with HCC have implemented systemic therapies, such as interventional therapy or local chemotherapy that are scarcely effective and induce serious side effects to the remaining normal liver, further limiting their clinical outcomes. Herein, a tumor microenvironment triggered cascade-activation nanoplatform (A-NP_Lap/TPZ ) is prepared based on β-lapachone (β-Lap) and tirapazamine (TPZ) for the synergistic therapy of HCC. The A-NP_Lap/TPZ exerts its targeting effect by binding to the receptor of tumor cells with an external aptamer. In the tumor microenvironment, the nanoplatform can realize H₂ O₂ -triggered disassembly to release β-Lap and TPZ. The released β-Lap generates ROS to induce tumor cell apoptosis under the catalysis of the tumor cell over-expressed NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) enzyme. In this process, oxygen is consumed to intensify tumor hypoxia, and eventually cascade activates TPZ to exert the anti-tumor effect. The studies in vitro and in vivo consistently demonstrate that the as-prepared A-NP_Lap/TPZ nanoplatform possesses an excellent synergistic anti-tumor effect. This design of nanoplatform with cascade activation effect provides a promising strategy for HCC treatment.

Folate mediated targeted delivery of cinnamaldehyde loaded and FITC functionalized magnetic nanoparticles in breast cancer: in vitro, in vivo and pharmacokinetic studies

FiCF NPs induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells, exhibited safety, reduced tumor burden in mice due to increased pharmacological efficacy.

Enhanced brain targeting efficiency using 5-FU (fluorouracil) lipid-drug conjugated nanoparticles in brain cancer therapy

The present investigation was aimed to synthesize, optimize, and characterize lipid/drug conjugate nanoparticles for delivering 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to treat brain cancer. The Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the formulation, evaluate the particle size, entrapment efficiency, morphology, in vitro drug release study, and stability profiles. The in vitro performance was executed using cell line studies. The in vivo performance was carried out for pharmacokinetic studies, sterility test, biodistribution studies, and distribution lipid-drug conjugated (LDC) nanoparticles in the brain. Particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and morphology of the optimized formulation demonstrated desirable results. In vitro release pattern showed initial fast release, followed by sustained release up to 48 h. Cytotoxic effects of blank stearic acid nanoparticles, LDC nanoparticles, and 5-FU solution on human glioma cell lines U373 MG cell showed more cytotoxicity by LDC-NPs compared to others. The values reported for LDC (AUC = 19.37 ± 0.09 µg/mL h and VD 2.4 ± 0.24 mL) and pure drug (AUC = 8.37 ± 0.04 µg/mL h and VD = 5.24 ± 0.29 mL) indicate higher concentrations of LDC in systemic circulation, while pure 5-FU was found to be largely available in tissue rather than blood circulation. The t1/2 for LDC represents an approximate rise by ninefold, while MRT (12.10 ± 0.44 h) denotes 12-fold rise than pure 5-FU indicating the prolonged circulation of LDC. Free 5-FU concentration in the brain was maximum (5.24 ± 0.01 μg/g) after 3 h, while for the optimized formulation of LDC it was twofold greater estimated as 11.52 ± 0.32 μg/g. In conclusion, the efficiency of 5-FU to treat the brain is increased when it is formulated with LDC nanoparticles.

Albumin-Albumin/Lactosylated Core-Shell Nanoparticles: Therapy to Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma for Controlled Delivery of Doxorubicin

Doxorubicin (Dox) is the most widely used chemotherapeutic agent and is considered a highly powerful and broad-spectrum for cancer treatment. However, its application is compromised by the cumulative side effect of dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Because of this, targeted drug delivery systems (DDS) are currently being explored in an attempt to reduce Dox systemic side-effects. In this study, DDS targeting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been designed, specifically to the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR). Dox-loaded albumin-albumin/lactosylated (core-shell) nanoparticles (tBSA/BSALac NPs) with low (LC) and high (HC) crosslink using glutaraldehyde were synthesized. Nanoparticles presented spherical shapes with a size distribution of 257 ± 14 nm and 254 ± 14 nm, as well as an estimated surface charge of -28.0 ± 0.1 mV and -26.0 ± 0.2 mV, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of Dox for the two types of nanoparticles was higher than 80%. The in vitro drug release results showed a sustained and controlled release profile. Additionally, the nanoparticles were revealed to be biocompatible with red blood cells (RBCs) and human liver cancer cells (HepG2 cells). In cytotoxicity assays, Dox-loaded nanoparticles decrease cell viability more efficiently than free Dox. Specific biorecognition assays confirmed the interaction between nanoparticles and HepG2 cells, especially with ASGPRs. Both types of nanoparticles may be possible DDS specifically targeting HCC, thus reducing side effects, mainly cardiotoxicity. Therefore, improving the quality of life from patients during chemotherapy.

Therapeutic effects of ginsenosides on breast cancer growth and metastasis

Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Thus, the development of new and effective low-toxicity drugs is vital. The specific characteristics of breast cancer have allowed for the development of targeted therapy towards each breast cancer subtype. Nevertheless, increasing drug resistance is displayed by the changing phenotype and microenvironments of the tumor through mutation or dysregulation of various mechanisms. Recently, emerging data on the therapeutic potential of biocompounds isolated from ginseng have been reported. Therefore, in this review, various roles of ginsenosides in the treatment of breast cancer, including apoptosis, autophagy, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, epigenetic changes, combination therapy, and drug delivery system, have been discussed.

Simultaneous linear release of folic acid and doxorubicin from ethyl cellulose/chitosan/g-C3 N4 /MoS2 core-shell nanofibers and its anticancer properties

The folic acid (FA) and doxorubicin (DOX) have been doped into the g-C₃ N₄ /MoS₂ incorporated-chitosan/ethyl cellulose (EC) core-shell nanofibers for targeted delivery of FA and DOX against HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines. The g-C₃ N₄ /MoS₂ nanosheets and core-shell nanofibers were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and UV-Vis tests. The drug loading factor, the degradation rate, and the DOX and FA release behavior from core-shell nanofibers have been investigated. The pharmacokinetic results revealed the linear release with non-Fickian diffusion of the both anticancer drugs from nanofibers during 7 days. The DAPI staining and MTT assays of the nanofibers immersed in MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines were studied to determine the potential of DOX and FA doped-core-shell nanofibrous matrix for MCF-7 and HeLa cells death in vitro. The maximum MCF-7 and HeLa cells death percentages were found to be 89 and 85%, respectively, using EC/chitosan/g-C₃ N₄ /MoS₂ /DOX/FA core-shell nanofibers after 7 days. The high activity of g-C₃ N₄ /MoS₂ /DOX/FA loaded-core-shell nanofibers for studied cancer cells killing was achieved.

Synthesis and Characterization of Folic Acid Conjugated Gemcitabine Tethered Silver Nanoparticles (FA-GEM-AgNPs) for Targeted Delivery

Background:

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted considerable interest in the medical industry due to their physicochemical properties, small size, and surface plasmon behavior. Their smaller particle size and instability in blood circulation leads to toxicity due to its aggregation as Ag+ ions and accumulation at the deepseated organ. In the present study, we aimed at reducing the toxicity of AgNPs by conjugation with an anticancer drug GEM and to improve their internalization through folate receptors-mediated endocytosis by capping the nanoparticles with folic acid (FA).

Methods:

One-pot facile synthesis of FA capped silver nanoparticles (FA-AgNPs) has been achieved by using FA as a reducing agent. FA-AgNPs were mixed with Gemcitabine (GEM) to obtain tethered FA-GEM-AgNPs. Nanoparticles were characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), UV-Visible spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX), Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED), and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was carried out to determine the cytotoxic effect of the prepared nanoformulations. The apoptotic cell death induced by FA-GEM-AgNPs in breast cancer cells were monitored with Acridine orange (AO)/Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) staining.

Conclusion:

Compared to GEM and AgNPs, FA-GEM-AgNPs showed enhanced cytotoxic effect and internalization in MDA-MB-453 breast cancer cell line. FA-GEM-AgNPs could be an ideal candidate for targeting cancer cells via folate receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Lipoprotein-Inspired Nanocarrier Composed of Folic Acid-Modified Protein and Lipids: Preparation and Evaluation of Tumor-Targeting Effect

Background

Reconstituted lipoproteins (rLips) based on endogenous lipid nanostructures has been increasingly regarded as an excellent and promising antitumor drug delivery. However, some problems relating to the main component, apolipoprotein, for instance, rare source, unaffordable price, and low specificity of relevant receptor expression, become chief obstacles to its broad development and application.

Purpose

The primary aim of this study is to develop biomimetic rLips by utilizing folic acid (FA)-modified bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a replacement for apolipoprotein and demonstrate its tumor targeting and antitumor efficacy.

Methods

The amino groups of BSA were covalently conjugated with FA through the amide reaction. PTX-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (termed as P-NLC) consisting of phospholipid, cholesteryl ester, triglyceride and cholesterol was prepared by the emulsification–evaporation method and utilized as the lipid core. FA-modified BSA (FA-BSA) was characterized for the protein substitute degree and attached with NLC by incubation-insert method to form the lipoprotein-mimic nanocomplex (termed as PFB-rLips). The morphology of nanoparticles was observed under transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the particle size and zeta potential were determined using dynamic light scattering. In vitro release behavior of PTX from PFB-rLips was investigated with the dialysis method. Hemolysis tests were conducted to evaluate the biosecurity of PFB-rLips. Cell uptake and cytotoxicity assays were performed on human hepatocytes (LO2) and human hepatoma cells (HepG2). Tumor targeting was assessed using in vivo imaging system in H22 tumor-bearing mice model. Antitumor efficacy in vivo was investigated and compared between Taxol^® (paclitaxel) formulation and PTX-incorporated nanoparticles in the same tumor model.

Results

A fixed molar ratio 50:1 of FA to BSA was chosen as the optimal input ratio based on the balance between appropriate degree of protein substitution and amphiphilicity of FA-BSA. The morphology of FB-rLips exhibited as a homogeneous spherical structure featured by lipid cores surrounded with a cloudy protein shell observed under TEM. The particle size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency were 174.6±3.2 nm, −17.26±0.9 mV and 82.2±2.4%, respectively. In vitro release behavior of PTX from PFB-rLips was slow and sustained. The uptake of FB-rLips was much higher in HepG2 cells than in LO2 cells. Furthermore, the uptake of FB-rLips was significantly higher than that of rLips without FA involved (termed as B-rLips) and NLC in HepG2 cells. Hemolysis and cytotoxicity assays showed good biocompatibility of FB-rLips. The internalization mechanism of FB-rLips mainly depended on clathrin-mediated and caveolin-mediated endocytosis coupling with energy consumption, and FA receptors expressed on tumor cells played a critical role in cellular uptake process. CCK-8 studies demonstrated that PFB-rLips exhibited significantly better tumor killing ability than Taxol^® (paclitaxel) formulation in vitro. Moreover, FB-rLips produced more excellent tumor-targeting properties than NLC through in vivo imaging assays. On the basis of this, PTX-loaded FB-rLips also performed more remarkable anticancer activity than other therapy groups in H22 tumor-bearing mice.

Conclusion

FB-rLips would serve as a potential nanocarrier for improving tumor-targeting and therapeutic efficacy while reducing the side effects on normal tissues and organs.

Design, in silico modelling and functionality theory of folate-receptor-targeted myricetin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticle formulation for cancer treatment

Targeted drug delivery systems are a promising field of research. Nano-engineered material-mediated drug delivery possesses remarkable potential for the treatment of various malignancies. Here, folic acid (FA)-conjugated bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles (NPs) were used to encapsulate myricetin (Myr). Subsequently, the delivery of Myr via naturally overexpressed folate receptor (FR) to FR-positive breast cancer cells was studied. Myr-loaded BSA NPs were assembled by modified desolvation cross-linking technique. An FA-conjugated carrier, N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)-FA ester, was successfully synthesized. Its functional and structural characteristics were confirmed by ultraviolet, Fourier-transform infrared, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Biocompatible FA-conjugated, Myr-loaded BSA NPs (FA-Myr-BSA NPs) were successfully formulated using a carbonate/bicarbonate buffer. Their morphology, size, shape, physiological stability, and drug release kinetics were studied. Molecular docking studies revealed that FA-Myr-BSA NPs readily bound non-covalently to folate receptors and facilitated active drug endocytosis. FA-Myr-BSA NPs could trigger fast release of Myr in an acidic medium (pH 5.4), and showed high biocompatibility in a physiological medium. FA-Myr-BSA NPs effectively decreased the viability of MCF-7 cells after 24 h with 72.45 μg ml^-1 IC₅₀ value. In addition, FA-Myr-BSA NPs enhanced the uptake of Myr in MCF-7 cells. After incubation, a typical apoptotic morphology of condensed nuclei and distorted membrane bodies was observed. The NPs also targeted mitochondria of MCF-7 cells, significantly increasing reactive oxygen species release and contributing to the loss of mitochondrial membrane integrity. The observed results confirm that the newly developed FA-Myr-BSA NPs can serve as a potential carrier for Myr to increase the anticancer activity of this chemotherapeutic.

A multifunctional theranostic contrast agent for ultrasound/near infrared fluorescence imaging-based tumor diagnosis and ultrasound-triggered combined photothermal and gene therapy

PURPOSE

Encapsulated microbubbles (MBs) have been reported as new theranostic carriers for simultaneous imaging and ultrasound (US)-triggered therapy. Here, we designed a dual-modality US/NIRF contrast agent and extended its applications from image contrast enhancement to combined diagnosis and therapy with US-directed and site-specific targeting.

METHODS

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) resonant at 880 nm together with the NIR797 dye were first encapsulated in lipid-shelled MBs to construct fluorescent gold microbubbles (NIR797/AuMBs) via thin film hydration and mechanical shaking in the presence of sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) gas. Then, polyethylenimine (PEI)-DNA complexes were electrostatically conjugated onto the surface of the NIR797/AuMBs, forming theranostic encapsulated MBs (PEI-DNA/NIR797/AuMBs). The potential of the PEI-DNA/NIR797/AuMBs for use as a dual-modality contrast enhancement agent was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The antitumor effect of US/NIR laser irradiation mediating double-fusion suicide gene and photothermal therapy was also investigated using Bel-7402 cells and xenografts.

RESULTS

The developed theranostic AuMB complexes could not only provide excellent US and NIRF imaging to detect tumors but also serve as an efficient US-triggered carrier for gene delivery and photothermal ablation of tumors in xenografted nude mice. And US + laser exposure group showed a much higher rate of cell inhibition, apoptosis and necrosis as well as a higher Bel-7402 xenograft inhibition rate than the single gene therapy or single exposure (US or laser) group.

CONCLUSIONS

PEI-DNA/NIR797/AuMBs would be of great value for providing more comprehensive diagnostic information and to guide more accurate and effective synergistic cancer therapy.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

This is an original paper focusing on developing a dual-modality US/NIRF contrast agent and extended its applications from image contrast enhancement to combined diagnosis and therapy with US-directed and site-specific targeting. The developed theranostic AuMB complexes could not only provide excellent US and NIRF imaging to detect tumors but also serve as an efficient US-triggered carrier for gene delivery and photothermal ablation of tumors in xenografted nude mice. PEI-DNA/NIR797/AuMBs would be of great value for providing more comprehensive diagnostic information and to guide more accurate and effective synergistic cancer therapy.

Folic acid-modified ginsenoside Rg5-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ginsenoside Rg5 (Rg5), a triterpene saponin, extracted from the natural herbal plant ginseng, is one of the most potent anticancer drugs against various carcinoma cells. However, the therapeutic potential of Rg5 is limited by its low solubility in water, poor bioavailability, and nontargeted delivery. Therefore, we prepared folic acid (FA)-modified bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles (FA-Rg5-BSA NPs) to improve the therapeutic efficacy and tumor targetability of Rg5.

METHODS

Various aspects of the FA-Rg5-BSA NPs were characterized, including size, polydispersity, zeta potential, morphology, entrapment efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL), in vitro drug release, thermal stability, in vitro cytotoxicity, cell apoptosis, cellular uptake, in vivo antitumor effects and in vivo biodistribution imaging.

RESULTS

The FA-Rg5-BSA NPs showed a particle size of 201.4 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.081, uniform spherical shape, and drug loading of 12.64±4.02%. The aqueous solution of FA-Rg5-BSA NPs had favorable stability for 8 weeks at 4°C. The FA-Rg5-BSA NPs dissolved under acidic conditions. Moreover, the Rg5-BSA NPs and FA-Rg5-BSA NPs had advanced anticancer activity compared with Rg5 in MCF-7 cells, while poor cytotoxicity was observed in L929 cells. The FA-Rg5-BSA NPs facilitated cellular uptake and induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. In addition, in an MCF-7 xenograft mouse model, the in vivo antitumor evaluation revealed that FA-Rg5-BSA NPs were more effective in inhibiting tumor growth than Rg5 and Rg5-BSA NPs. The in vivo real-time bioimaging study showed that the FA-Rg5-BSA NPs exhibited superior tumor accumulation ability.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that FA-Rg5-BSA NPs could serve as a promising system to improve the antitumor effect of Rg5.

Folic acid functionalized nanoparticles as pharmaceutical carriers in drug delivery systems

Conventional chemotherapeutic approaches in cancer therapy such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have several disadvantages due to their nontargeted distributions in the whole body. On the other hand, nanoparticles (NPs) based therapies are remarkably progressing to solve several limitations of conventional drug delivery systems (DDSs) including nonspecific biodistribution and targeting, poor water solubility, weak bioavailability and biodegradability, low pharmacokinetic properties, and so forth. The enhanced permeability and retention effect escape from P-glycoprotein trap in cancer cells as a passive targeting mechanism, and active targeting strategies are also other most important advantages of NPs in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Folic acid (FA) is one of the biologic molecules which has been targeted overexpressed-folic acid receptor (FR) on the surface of cancer cells. Therefore, conjugation of FA to NPs most easily enhances the FR-mediated targeting delivery of therapeutic agents. Here, the recent works in FA which have been decorated NPs-based DDSs are discussed and cancer therapy potency of these NPs in clinical trials are presented.

A novel theranostic system of AS1411 aptamer-functionalized albumin nanoparticles loaded on iron oxide and gold nanoparticles for doxorubicin delivery

Recently DNA aptamers have attracted remarkable attention as possible targeting ligands since selective targeting of cancer cells is a critical step in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Here, the development of AS1411 aptamer-functionalized albumin nanoparticles loaded on iron oxide and gold nanoparticles is reported for target delivery of the well-known anticancer drug of doxorubicin (Dox). Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were prepared by ultrasound-assisted and controlled seeded growth synthetic methods, respectively. The nanocarrier was synthesized by a desolvation cross-linking method and characterized by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurement, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, as well as vibrating sample magnetometer. The synthesized nanoparticles were found to be spherical with an average diameter of 120 nm and zeta potential of about -50.3 mV. The in-vitro anti-tumor effect of the designed delivery vehicle on MCF7 and SKBR3 human cancer cells was evaluated by MTT assay. The experimental results revealed that it could significantly inhibit the proliferation of cancerous cells. Moreover, GNPs and IONPs with the coating of albumin did not show any toxicity. AS1411 aptamer-functionalized nanoparticles improved cellular uptake and efficiency to MCF7 breast cancer cells as compared to non-targeting nanoparticles because of the high affinity of mentioned aptamer toward the overexpressed nucleolin on MCF7 cell surface.

Synergistic delivery of 5-fluorouracil and curcumin using human serum albumin-coated iron oxide nanoparticles by folic acid targeting

Human serum albumin is the most abundant protein in plasma with the ability to bind to a variety of drug molecules. Magnetic nanoparticles are being extensively used in drug delivery due to its intrinsic magnetic properties. In this work, we have synthesized human serum albumin-coated citrate-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles by CDI coupling. Furthermore, folic acid was decorated on human serum albumin by EDC and NHS coupling to confer targetability. Two cytotoxic drugs 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and curcumin were co-delivered. Wherein, the former is an anticancer agent and latter is a drug resistance depressor of former. The nanoparticles showed good aqueous dispersibility with a zeta potential of - 49.1 mV and magnetic core size in the range of 10-15 nm, thus exhibiting good magnetic property with magnetic saturation of 33.59 emu/g. Controlled drug release behavior was noticed in both drugs with faster release profile of 5FU. Nanoparticles also showed good cytotoxicity with lower IC50 values in the presence of magnetic field. The contrasting difference was noticed in folic acid-decorated and non-decorated composites, similarly in the presence of magnetic field where cell uptake was enhanced.

Nano-chemotherapeutic efficacy of (-) -epigallocatechin 3-gallate mediating apoptosis in A549 cells: Involvement of reactive oxygen species mediated Nrf2/Keap1signaling

Chemotherapeutic drugs exert systemic toxicity in lung cancer cells and therefore novel treatment strategies are warranted. Epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), though possessing beneficial effects in alleviating cancer, its effect has been limited due to ineffective systemic delivery, toxicity and bioavailability. To attain the maximum therapeutic response of EGCG, we have synthesized bovine serum albumin (BSA) encapsulated magnetite nanoparticle (MNPs) loaded with EGCG (nano EGCG). The synthesized nano EGCG was characterized using HR-TEM, XRD and FT-IR. Cytotoxicity analysis of BSA-MNP and nano EGCG using flow cytometry was evaluated in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. The effect of native and nano EGCG modulating apoptosis and Nrf2/Keap1 signaling was analysed. Nano EGCG exhibited increased ROS/RNS levels and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, as evaluated by DCFH and JC1 staining, respectively. Expression of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, Bak, Bim and Puma) was evaluated. This study demonstrates that native and nano EGCG induces apoptosis through the involvement of ROS leading to loss in mitochondrial membrane potential. EGCG exhibited an increased expression of Nrf2 and Keap1 that could regulate apoptosis in A549 cells. This study, for the first time reveals the potential of BSA-MNPs loaded EGCG as drug target and renders better efficacy against lung cancer cells.

Hybrid folic acid-conjugated gold nanorods-loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles for simultaneous photothermal and chemotherapeutic therapy

Hybrid nanoparticles containing both structural and functional nanocomponents might result in higher success and increased quality of life for patients suffering a disease such as cancer. In this study, we combine chemotherapy of conventional drug doxorubicin (Dox) with gold nanorods (AuNR) for photothermal therapy using multifunctional human serum albumin nanoparticles (HSA NP's) fabricated via desolvation technique with high efficiency. Folic acid (FA) was conjugated to HSA NP's trough an amidation via carbodiimide reaction for a more specific nanoplataform to HeLa cancer cells. The loading efficiency of Dox into AuNR loaded-HSA NP reached up to 2 μg Dox/mg HSA. The HSA-AuNR-Dox NP experienced photothermal heating varying laser potency (1, 0.5 and 0.2 W); reaching the bulk particle solution an increment of 16, 8 and 6 °C after 10 min of near-IR laser exposure respectively. When HeLa cells were treated with this multifunctional nanoplataform containing only AuNR, cancer cells experienced 96% cell viability without irradiation and 55% cell viability after just one irradiation session. When Dox is present in the nanoplataform, viability were 60% and 24% for non-irradiated and irradiated nanoplataforms, respectively. This study demonstrates that HSA-AuNR-Dox nanoparticles are suitable systems allowing a synergic chemo and phothothermal therapy.

Doxorubicin-DNA adduct entrenched and motif tethered artificial virus encased in pH-responsive polypeptide complex for targeted cancer therapy

Doxorubicin is a broad spectrum anticancer antibiotic that possesses toxic effects such as cardiomyopathy, that even lead to congestive heart failure. Thus, the development of a new bio-inspired system is required, that retain the advantageous effect of doxorubicin while retarding the side effects. Hence, a system was developed that we describe 'doxorubicin-DNA adduct entrenched artificial virus encased in polypeptide complex'. The drug-DNA adduct (DDA) was prepared by a formaldehyde mediated reaction. A simple chloroform extraction method for the separation of DDA was developed. DDA was employed to self-assemble the folate tethered bovine serum albumin to form the protein coat in the proposed artificial virus. The folate tethered albumin provides an artificial virus concept, with tumor tissue targeting due to the presence of folate. The whole system was then encased in a pH-responsive polypeptide complex that dissolves in acidic pH, but not in basic pH. DDA was evaluated by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A promising drug release at physiological condition was observed from DDA. The developed system was evaluated by a developed and validated artificial cell apparatus that mimic the features of a cancer cell. The drug delivery system displayed a considerable amount of drug release within 24 h. Moreover, the developed artificial virus system reduced angiogenesis caused by tumor cells in chick chorioallantoic membrane. Histopathology of treated chicken heart slices demonstrated that the developed artificial virus system reduces the tissue deformation and apoptosis in heart tissue slices, thus providing a new approach to prevent Dox-induced cardiomyopathy.

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as drug carriers: preparation, conjugation and delivery

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), particularly made of iron oxides, have been extensively studied as diagnostic imaging agents and therapeutic delivery vehicles. In this review, special emphasis is set on the 'recent advancements of drug-conjugated MNPs used for therapeutic applications'. The most prevalent preparation methods and chemical functionalization strategies required for translational biomedical nanoformulations are outlined. Particular attention is, then, devoted to the tailored conjugation of drugs to the MNP carrier according to either noncovalent or covalent attachments, with advantages and drawbacks of both pathways conferred. Notable examples are presented to demonstrate the advantages of MNPs in respective drug-delivery applications. Understanding of the preparation, conjugation and delivery processes will definitely bring, in the next decades, a novel magneto-nanovehicle for effective theranostics.

Covalent immobilization of doxorubicin in glycine functionalized hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for pH-responsive release

Development and therapeutic evaluation of glycine functionalized hydroxyapatite nanoparticles having a covalently conjugated anticancer drug, doxorubicin hydrochloride.

In vivo MR imaging of folate-receptor expression with the folate-specific nanospheres in a C6 glioblastoma model

PURPOSE

To assess the ability of magnetic albumin nanospheres conjugated with folate (FA-MAN) to provide FR-specific enhancement of C6 glioblastoma on magnetic resonance (MR) images.

PROCEDURES

Active targeting effect of magnetic albumin nanospheres conjugated with folate (FA-MAN) was evaluated based on MR images and histopathological analysis. MR imaging of subcutaneously transplanted C6 glioblastomas was performed after intravenous injection of FA-MAN, non-targeted (magnetic albumin nanospheres, MAN) and FA-inhibited (magnetic albumin nanospheres conjugated with folate plus folate, FA-MAN + FA) agents at designated time points. The T₂ relaxation times in tumors were compared among different treatment groups and were correlated with histopathological findings. Prussian blue staining and in vivo toxicology assay were also performed simultaneously.

RESULTS

Upon MR imaging in vivo, T₂ relaxation time of the tumor sites in the group administrated with FA-MAN (T₂ is 49 ms, 46 ms and 45 ms at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively) has statistical difference compared to those in the groups of MAN (T₂ is 56 ms, 56 ms and 61 ms at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively) and FA-MAN + FA nanospheres (T₂ is 56 ms, 57 ms and 56 ms at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively). Prussian blue-stained results demonstrated that more iron particles accumulated in the tumors of the targeted group than those of the other groups. Toxicology assay showed that no noticeable body weight losses were observed after monitoring 31 days, and the results of routine blood parameters, liver and kidney function biomarkers also demonstrated that the nanoshperes did not influence the respectively physiological index. Besides, no obvious pathological injuries on the major organs were examined.

CONCLUSION

Folate-conjugated magnetic albumin nanospheres were more effective in targeting C6 glioblastoma in vivo.

Impact of albumin based approaches in nanomedicine: Imaging, targeting and drug delivery

A major challenge in the field of nanomedicine is to transform laboratory innovations into commercially successful clinical products. In this campaign, a variety of nanoenabled approaches have been designed and investigated for their role in biomedical applications. The advantages associated with the unique structure of albumin imparts it with the ability to interact with variety of molecules, while the functional groups present on their surface provide base for large number of modifications making it as an ideal nanocarrier system. So far, a variety of albumin based nanoenabled approaches have been intensively exploited for effective diagnosis and personalized medicine, among them some have successfully completed their journey from lab bench to marketed products. This review focuses on the recent most promising advancement in the field of albumin based nanoenabled approaches for various biomedical applications and their potential use in cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Cytotoxic Conjugates of Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2) with Monomethyl Auristatin E for Effective Killing of Cells Expressing FGF Receptors

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a new class of anticancer therapeutics that combine the selectivity of targeted treatment, ensured by monoclonal antibodies, with the potency of the cytotoxic agent. Here, we applied an analogous approach, but instead of an antibody, we used fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2). FGF2 is a natural ligand of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), a cell-surface receptor reported to be overexpressed in several types of tumors. We developed and characterized FGF2 conjugates containing a defined number of molecules of highly cytotoxic drug monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). These conjugates effectively targeted FGFR1-expressing cells, were internalized upon FGFR1-mediated endocytosis, and, in consequence, revealed high cytotoxicity, which was clearly related to the FGFR1 expression level. Among the conjugates tested, the most potent was that bearing three MMAE molecules, showing that the cytotoxicity of protein-drug conjugates in vitro is directly dependent on drug loading.

Nanoparticles and targeted drug delivery in cancer therapy

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy are the main common anti-tumor therapeutic approaches. However, the non-specific targeting of cancer cells has made these approaches non-effective in the significant number of patients. Non-specific targeting of malignant cells also makes indispensable the application of the higher doses of drugs to reach the tumor region. Therefore, there are two main barriers in the way to reach the tumor area with maximum efficacy. The first, inhibition of drug delivery to healthy non-cancer cells and the second, the direct conduction of drugs into tumor site. Nanoparticles (NPs) are the new identified tools by which we can deliver drugs into tumor cells with minimum drug leakage into normal cells. Conjugation of NPs with ligands of cancer specific tumor biomarkers is a potent therapeutic approach to treat cancer diseases with the high efficacy. It has been shown that conjugation of nanocarriers with molecules such as antibodies and their variable fragments, peptides, nucleic aptamers, vitamins, and carbohydrates can lead to effective targeted drug delivery to cancer cells and thereby cancer attenuation. In this review, we will discuss on the efficacy of the different targeting approaches used for targeted drug delivery to malignant cells by NPs.

Folate-Functionalized Lipid Nanoemulsion to Deliver Chemo-Radiotherapeutics Together for the Effective Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Aim of the investigation was to develop folate-functionalized lipid nanoemulsion (LNE) comprising chemo-radiotherapeutics for targeted delivery to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Soy lecithin nanoemulsion of doxorubicin (Dox) and yittrium-90 (90Y) was prepared by nanoprecipitation using ultrasonic homogenization technique followed by folic acid conjugation. Nanoemulsion (Dox-LNE) was characterized as positively charged (zeta potential), spherical shape (transmission electron microscopy) nano-droplets of uniform size distribution (polydispersity index). No significant variation in parameters such as particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index was observed when the stability of Dox-LNE was assessed during long-term storage at room temperature and at 8000 rpm, 121°C temperature, and 5000 time dilution in water. In vitro release of Dox from Dox-LNE was observed to be controlled for at least 48 h. Folate decoration over Dox-LNE surface (FD-Dox-LNE) and incorporation of 90Y in FD-Dox-LNE (FD-Dox + 90Y-LNE) changed droplet size up to 50 nm; however, surface charge of Dox-LNE did not change significantly. FD-Dox + 90Y-LNE inhibited growth of cancerous cell line like CNE1 (folate receptor rich) in vitro and alleviated tumor volume in NPC-induced nude mice significantly as compared to Dox + 90Y-LNE. Massive necrosis and hemorrhage of CNE1 cells were observed by FD-Dox + 90Y-LNE (89.9%); however, inhibition of growth of nasal epithelial cells (RPMI 2650; folate deficient) by FD-Dox + 90Y-LNE and Dox + 90Y-LNE was observed to be 21.5 and 43.65%, respectively. The investigation highlights the vast utility of folate-decorated lipid emulsion in delivering chemo-radiotherapeutics to the specific NPC site. FD-Dox + 90Y-LNE might offer a cost-effective, safe, efficacious, and clinically pertinent option to the available therapeutics.

GE11 peptide modified and reduction-responsive hyaluronic acid-based nanoparticles induced higher efficacy of doxorubicin for breast carcinoma therapy

Novel breast carcinoma dual-targeted redox-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) based on cholesteryl-hyaluronic acid conjugates were designed for intracellular delivery of the antitumor drug doxorubicin (DOX). A series of reduction-responsive hyaluronic acid derivatives grafted with hydrophobic cholesteryl moiety (HA-ss-Chol) and GE11 peptide conjugated HA-ss-Chol (GE11-HA-ss-Chol) were synthesized. The obtained conjugates showed attractive self-assembly characteristics and high drug loading capacity. GE11-HA-ss-Chol NPs were highly stable under conditions mimicking normal physiological conditions, while showing a fast degradation of the vehicle's structure and accelerating the drug release dramatically in the presence of intracellular reductive environment. Furthermore, the cellular uptake assay confirmed GE11-HA-ss-Chol NPs were taken up by MDA-MB-231 cells through CD44- and epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated endocytosis. The internalization pathways of GE11-HA-ss-Chol NPs might involve clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis. The intracellular distribution of DOX in GE11-HA-ss-Chol NPs showed a faster release and more efficient nuclear delivery than the insensitive control. Enhanced in vitro cytotoxicity of GE11-HA-ss-Chol DOX-NPs further confirmed the superiority of their dual-targeting and redox-responsive capacity. Moreover, in vivo imaging investigation in MDA-MB-231 tumor-bearing mice confirmed that GE11-HA-ss-Chol NPs labeled with 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindotricarbocyanine iodide, a near-infrared fluorescence dye, possessed a preferable tumor accumulation ability as compared to the single-targeting counterpart (HA-ss-Chol NPs). The antitumor efficacy showed an improved therapy efficacy and lower systemic side effect. These results suggest GE11-HA-ss-Chol NPs provide a good potential platform for antitumor drugs.

Microwave-assisted green synthesis of superparamagnetic nanoparticles using fruit peel extracts: surface engineering, T 2 relaxometry, and photodynamic treatment potential

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have the potential to be used as multimodal imaging and cancer therapy agents due to their excellent magnetism and ability to generate reactive oxygen species when exposed to light. We report the synthesis of highly biocompatible SPIONs through a facile green approach using fruit peel extracts as the biogenic reductant. This green synthesis protocol involves the stabilization of SPIONs through coordination of different phytochemicals. The SPIONs were functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-6000 and succinic acid and were extensively characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, diffused reflectance spectroscopy, fluorescence emission, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and magnetization analysis. The developed SPIONs were found to be stable, almost spherical with a size range of 17-25 nm. They exhibited excellent water dispersibility, colloidal stability, and relatively high R 2 relaxivity (225 mM(-1) s(-1)). Cell viability assay data revealed that PEGylation or carboxylation appears to significantly shield the surface of the particles but does not lead to improved cytocompatibility. A highly significant increase of reactive oxygen species in light-exposed samples was found to play an important role in the photokilling of human cervical epithelial malignant carcinoma (HeLa) cells. The bio-SPIONs developed are highly favorable for various biomedical applications without risking interference from potentially toxic reagents.

A folic acid conjugated polyethylenimine-modified PEGylated nanographene loaded photosensitizer: photodynamic therapy and toxicity studies in vitro and in vivo

Targeted cancer therapies are currently a strong focus in biomedical research. Our recent studies have demonstrated that polyethylenimine-modified PEGylated nanographene loaded chlorin e6 (PPG-Ce6) shows excellent photodynamic efficacy because of the significantly enhanced intracellular targeted delivery of Ce6 to lysosomes. Based on our previous research, in this work, a novel nanographene-based tumor targeting delivery system was developed to selectively transport the photosensitizer into the tumor cells. In brief, we describe that the folic acid (FA) conjugated polyethylenimine-modified PEGylated nanographene system (PPG-FA) delivered in a targeted manner chlorin e6 (Ce6) to the tumor to simultaneously achieve targeted photodynamic therapy and biological imaging. The cellular internalization and the cellular uptake of PPG-FA-Ce6 were assessed, which indicated that the intracellular uptake of PPG-FA-Ce6 was target-specific. In vitro and in vivo photodynamic therapy results showed that PPG-FA-Ce6 exhibits excellent targeted delivery of Ce6, leading to simultaneous significant targeted photodynamic therapy and imaging. More importantly, the toxicity studies showed that PPG-FA-Ce6 had low toxicity as evidenced by blood biochemistry, hematological analysis, and histological examination. Our present work demonstrates that PPG-FA-Ce6 has high photodynamic therapy efficacy with no obvious toxicity because of its good tumor targeting property which can be potentially utilized in the biomedicine field.

Inhibition of heat-shock protein 90 sensitizes liver cancer stem-like cells to magnetic hyperthermia and enhances anti-tumor effect on hepatocellular carcinoma-burdened nude mice

PURPOSE

To explore the thermoresistance and expression of heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90) in magnetic hyperthermia-treated human liver cancer stem-like cells (LCSCs) and the effects of a heat-shock protein HSP90 inhibitor 17-allylamino-17-demethoxgeldanamycin (17-AAG) on hepatocellular carcinoma-burdened nude mice.

METHODS

CD90(+) LCSCs were isolated by magnetic-activated cell sorting from BEL-7404. Spheroid formation, proliferation, differentiation, drug resistance, and tumor formation assays were performed to identify stem cell characteristics. CD90-targeted thermosensitive magnetoliposomes (TMs)-encapsulated 17-AAG (CD90@17-AAG/TMs) was prepared by reverse-phase evaporation and its characteristics were studied. Heat tolerance in CD90(+) LCSCs and the effect of CD90@17-AAG/TMs-mediated heat sensitivity were examined in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

CD90(+) LCSCs showed significant stem cell-like properties. The 17-AAG/TMs were successfully prepared and were spherical in shape with an average size of 128.9±7.7 nm. When exposed to magnetic hyperthermia, HSP90 was up-regulated in CD90(+) LCSCs. CD90@17-AAG/TMs inhibited the activity of HSP90 and increased the sensitivity of CD90(+) LCSCs to magnetic hyperthermia.

CONCLUSION

The inhibition of HSP90 could sensitize CD90(+) LCSCs to magnetic hyperthermia and enhance its anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo.

An in vitro and in vivo study of gemcitabine-loaded albumin nanoparticles in a pancreatic cancer cell line

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Gemcitabine (Gem) is far from satisfactory as the first-line regimen for pancreatic cancer, and the emergence of albumin nanoparticles offers new hope for the delivery of Gem. In this study, Gem-loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles (Gem-HSA-NPs) were successfully synthesized, characterized, and tested on a BxPC-3 cell line both in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

4-N-myristoyl-gemcitabine (Gem-C14) was obtained first by coupling myristoyl with the 4-amino group of Gem. The Gem-HSA-NPs were then prepared by nanoparticle albumin-bound technology and characterized for particle size, zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, drug-loading efficiency, and release characteristics. Using both in vitro and in vivo studies, Gem-C14 and Gem-HSA-NPs were tested on the human pancreatic cancer cell line BxPC-3.

RESULTS

Gem-HSA-NPs showed an average particle size of 150±27 nm, and with an encapsulation rate of 82.99%±3.5% and a drug-loading rate of 10.42%±3.5%, they exhibited a favorable controlled- and sustained-release nature. In in vitro, Gem-C14 was equivalent in cytotoxicity to Gem. In in vivo, the Gem-HSA-NPs exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on tumor growth but the lowest toxicity among the four groups.

CONCLUSION

The enhanced in vivo efficacy of Gem-HSA-NPs toward the pancreatic cancer cell line suggests their potential role for use in the clinical field.

Folate-conjugated nanoparticles as a potent therapeutic approach in targeted cancer therapy

The selective and efficient drug delivery to tumor cells can remarkably improve different cancer therapeutic approaches. There are several nanoparticles (NPs) which can act as a potent drug carrier for cancer therapy. However, the specific drug delivery to cancer cells is an important issue which should be considered before designing new NPs for in vivo application. It has been shown that cancer cells over-express folate receptor (FR) in order to improve their growth. As normal cells express a significantly lower levels of FR compared to tumor cells, it seems that folate molecules can be used as potent targeting moieties in different nanocarrier-based therapeutic approaches. Moreover, there is evidence which implies folate-conjugated NPs can selectively deliver anti-tumor drugs into cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we will discuss about the efficiency of different folate-conjugated NPs in cancer therapy.

GEM-loaded magnetic albumin nanospheres modified with cetuximab for simultaneous targeting, magnetic resonance imaging, and double-targeted thermochemotherapy of pancreatic cancer cells

Background

Targeted delivery is a promising strategy to improve the diagnostic imaging and therapeutic effect of cancers. In this paper, novel cetuximab (C225)-conjugated, gemcitabine (GEM)-containing magnetic albumin nanospheres (C225-GEM/MANs) were fabricated and applied as a theranostic nanocarrier to conduct simultaneous targeting, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and double-targeted thermochemotherapy against pancreatic cancer cells.

Methods

Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) and GEM co-loaded albumin nanospheres (GEM/MANs) were prepared, and then C225 was further conjugated to synthesize C225-GEM/MANs. Their morphology, mean particle size, GEM encapsulation ratio, specific cell-binding ability, and thermal dynamic profiles were characterized. The effects of discriminating different EGFR-expressing pancreatic cancer cells (AsPC-1 and MIA PaCa-2) and monitoring cellular targeting effects were assessed by targeted MRI. Lastly, the antitumor efficiency of double/C225/magnetic-targeted and nontargeted thermochemotherapy was compared with chemotherapy alone using 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry (FCM) assay.

Results

When treated with targeted nanospheres, AsPC-1 cells showed a significantly less intense MRI T2 signal than MIA PaCa-2 cells, while both cells had similar signal strength when incubated with nontargeted nanospheres. T2 signal intensity was significantly lower when magnetic and C225 targeting were combined, rather than used alone. The inhibitory and apoptotic rates of each thermochemotherapy group were significantly higher than those of the chemotherapy-alone groups. Additionally, both MTT and FCM analysis verified that double-targeted thermochemotherapy had the highest targeted killing efficiency among all groups.

Conclusion

The C225-GEM/MANs can distinguish various EGFR-expressing live pancreatic cancer cells, monitor diverse cellular targeting effects using targeted MRI imaging, and efficiently mediate double-targeted thermochemotherapy against pancreatic cancer cells.

Tumor-targeted folate-decorated albumin-stabilised silver nanoparticles induce apoptosis at low concentration in human breast cancer cells

The current study exploits the folate-mediated delivery of bovine serum albumin (BSA) stabilized Ag NPs and thereby overcomes various drawbacks associated with non-specific targeting.