Multifunctional nanoparticles self-assembled from polyethylenimine-based graft polymers as efficient anticancer drug...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Nanoparticle functionalization is crucial for effective drug delivery.
• Developing targeted and stimuli-responsive systems enhances therapeutic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize multifunctional nanoparticles for targeted anticancer drug delivery.
• To evaluate the pH-sensitive drug release and tumor-targeting capabilities of hyaluronic acid-coated nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of polymeric amphiphiles via Schiff's reaction.
• Self-assembly into pH-sensitive nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin.
• Coating nanoparticles with hyaluronic acid for tumor targeting.
• In vitro evaluation of drug release, cellular uptake, and cytotoxicity.

Main Results:

• Synthesized nanoparticles exhibited pH-sensitivity and a mean size of approximately 100nm.
• Hyaluronic acid coating enhanced nanoparticle disassembly in acidic conditions, leading to faster doxorubicin release at pH 5.0.
• Nanoparticles demonstrated endosomal escape, accelerating drug release within cancer cells.
• Effective killing of breast cancer (4T1) and liver cancer (HepG2) cells in vitro with low IC50 values.

Conclusions:

• The developed hyaluronic acid-coated nanoparticles are promising for targeted and pH-responsive doxorubicin delivery.
• The nanoparticles show efficient endosomal escape and significant in vitro anticancer activity.
• This approach offers a potential strategy for improving cancer therapy outcomes.