Functionalization of carboxylated lignin nanoparticles for targeted and pH-responsive delivery of anticancer drugs

To carboxylate kraft lignin toward the functionalization of carboxylated lignin nanoparticles (CLNPs) with a block copolymer made of PEG, poly(histidine) and a cell-penetrating peptide and then evaluate the chemotherapeutic potential of the innovative nanoparticles.

The produced nanoparticles were characterized and evaluated in vitro for stability and biocompatibility and the drug release profiles and antiproliferative effect were also assessed.

The prepared CLNPs showed spherical shape and good size distribution, good stability in physiological media and low cytotoxicity in all the tested cell lines. A poorly water-soluble cytotoxic agent was successfully loaded into the CLNPs, improving its release profiles in a pH-sensitive manner and showing an enhanced antiproliferative effect in the different cancer cells compared with a normal endothelial cell line.

The resulting CLNPs are promising candidates for anticancer therapy.