Maytansine-loaded star-shaped folate-core PLA-TPGS nanoparticles enhancing anticancer activity

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanomedicine
• Oncology

Background:

• Efficient delivery of therapeutic agents to target cells is a major challenge for non-viral vector systems.
• Targeting cancer cells expressing folate receptors (FR) offers a promising strategy for selective cancer therapy.
• Maytansine is a potent cytotoxic agent with potential for cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate FA-PLA-TPGS nanoparticles as a targeted delivery system for maytansine in FR-positive breast cancer.
• To investigate the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of maytansine nanoparticles in FR-positive breast cancer cells.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of star-shaped folate-core polylactide-D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (FA-PLA-TPGS) block copolymer.
• Loading of maytansine into FA-PLA-TPGS nanoparticles (maytansine-NPs).
• Assessment of nanoparticle uptake in SKBR3 cells using fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy.
• Evaluation of cell viability, intracellular microtubules, and apoptosis-associated proteins in SKBR3 cells.

Main Results:

• Maytansine nanoparticles were successfully prepared using the FA-PLA-TPGS copolymer.
• Significant uptake of maytansine nanoparticles by SKBR3 cells (FR-positive) was observed.
• Maytansine-NPs demonstrated significantly increased cytotoxicity in SKBR3 cells compared to control groups.
• Changes in intracellular microtubules and apoptosis-related proteins indicated effective drug action.

Conclusions:

• FA-PLA-TPGS nanoparticles serve as an effective vector for targeted delivery of maytansine to FR-positive breast cancer cells.
• Maytansine-loaded nanoparticles show enhanced therapeutic potential for FR-expressing tumors.
• This formulation represents a promising strategy for targeted biotherapy in breast cancer treatment.