Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Analysis of Targeted Viral Protein Nanoparticles Delivered to HER2+ Tumors
Published on: June 18, 2013
Trastuzumab-functionalized nanoparticles of biodegradable copolymers for targeted delivery of docetaxel
1Division of Bioengineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Aims:
We synthesized a novel system of docetaxel-loaded, trastuzumab-functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) of biodegradable copolymers for targeted and synergistic chemotherapy.
Materials & Methods:
NPs of two component biodegradable copolymers were prepared by a modified solvent extraction/evaporation method with D-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) as emulsifier. One component copolymer is poly(lactide)-TPGS, which is of desired hydrophobic-lipophilic balance for cellular adhesion, and another is carboxyl group-terminated TPGS, which facilitates the conjugation of trastuzumab on the NP surface for targeting.
Results:
In vitro investigation with SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells of HER2 overexpression showed that the trastuzumab-functionalized NPs have great advantages over nude NPs in cellular uptake and cytotoxicity.
Conclusion:
Trastuzumab conjugated onto the NP surface has two functions: one is to target HER2-overexpressing cancer cells and the other is to enhance the cytotoxicity of docetaxel through synergistic effects. The trastuzumab-functionalized, docetaxel-loaded NPs have great potential for targeted chemotherapy to treat HER2-overexpressing cancer.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers

