Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 19, 2026

Delivery of Therapeutic siRNA to the CNS Using Cationic and Anionic Liposomes
Published on: July 23, 2016
Characterization of liposome-containing SPIONs conjugated with anti-CD20 developed as a novel theranostic agent for
S Saesoo1, S Sathornsumetee2, P Anekwiang3
1National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathumthani 12120, Thailand.
Abstract:
Despite advances in neuroscience cancer research during the past decades, the survival of cancer patients has only marginally improved and the cure remains unlikely. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major obstacle protecting the entry of therapeutic agents to central nervous system, especially for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Thus, the use of small nanoparticle as a drug carrier may be new strategies to overcome this problem. In this study, we fabricated liposome consisting of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) functionalized with anti-CD20 (Rituximab; RTX). The designed nanoparticles have a theranostic property which is not only to improve drug delivery, but also to offer diagnostic and monitoring capabilities. TEM images revealed the spherical shape of liposome with the approximately average diameters about 140-190nm with slightly negatively charge surfaces. Superparamagnetic property of SPIONs-loaded liposomes was confirmed by VSM. Liposome colloidal could be prolonged at 4°C and 25°C storages. RTX conjugated liposome induced cell internalization and apoptosis effect in B-lymphoma cells. Drug targeting and therapeutic effect was investigated in BBB model. The result confirmed that liposome nanocarrier is required as a drug carrier for effectively RTX across the BBB.
Insights
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) functionalized liposomes carrying Rituximab (RTX) show promise for treating primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). These theranostic nanoparticles effectively cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), enabling targeted drug delivery and monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer patient survival remains limited despite advances in neuroscience and cancer research.
- The blood-brain barrier (BBB) significantly hinders therapeutic agent delivery to the central nervous system, particularly for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).
- Nanoparticle drug carriers offer potential strategies to overcome BBB limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize SPIONs-functionalized liposomes for targeted drug delivery across the BBB.
- To evaluate the theranostic properties of these nanoparticles for improved cancer treatment and monitoring.
- To assess the efficacy of Rituximab (RTX)-loaded liposomes in B-lymphoma cells and across a BBB model.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of liposomes encapsulating SPIONs and functionalized with anti-CD20 (Rituximab).
- Characterization using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for size and shape, and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) for superparamagnetic properties.
- Evaluation of liposome stability, cell internalization, apoptosis induction in B-lymphoma cells, and drug delivery across an in vitro BBB model.
Main Results:
- Liposomes were spherical with average diameters of 140-190nm and slightly negative surface charges.
- SPIONs-loaded liposomes exhibited superparamagnetic properties and remained stable at 4°C and 25°C.
- RTX-conjugated liposomes demonstrated cell internalization and induced apoptosis in B-lymphoma cells, and were effective in crossing the BBB model.
Conclusions:
- Liposome nanocarriers functionalized with SPIONs and RTX are effective drug delivery systems for targeting PCNSL.
- These theranostic nanoparticles show potential for overcoming the BBB, improving drug delivery, and enabling diagnostic capabilities.
- The study highlights the necessity of liposome nanocarriers for effective RTX delivery across the BBB in PCNSL treatment.

