Cancer-cell-targeted theranostic cubosomes

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Lipid-based nanoparticles offer versatile platforms for drug delivery and imaging.
• Theranostic agents combine diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities for personalized medicine.
• Targeted delivery systems enhance drug efficacy and reduce off-target effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel lipid-based theranostic nanoparticles (cubosomes).
• To co-load an anticancer drug (camptothecin) and a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe.
• To engineer targeted cubosomes using folate-conjugated polymers for enhanced cancer cell specificity.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of cubosomes using Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and cryo-Transmission Electron Microscopy (cryo-TEM).
• Photophysical characterization to assess in vivo imaging potential.
• In vitro studies evaluating targeted versus non-targeted cubosome uptake and effects on cancer cells (HeLa).

Main Results:

• Successfully prepared stable aqueous dispersions of cubosomes co-loaded with camptothecin and a NIR fluorescent probe.
• Physicochemical and photophysical characterizations confirmed suitability for in vivo imaging.
• Targeted cubosomes demonstrated superior cancer cell targeting compared to non-targeted ones, evidenced by lipid droplet alterations.

Conclusions:

• Developed innovative theranostic cubosomes for simultaneous drug delivery and bioimaging.
• Folate-targeted cubosomes exhibit enhanced specificity for cancer cells.
• These findings pave the way for advanced targeted cancer therapy and diagnostics.