Menthol-modified casein nanoparticles loading 10-hydroxycamptothecin for glioma targeting therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Neuro-oncology

Background:

• Glioma treatment faces challenges with drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and insufficient tumor accumulation.
• Existing nanocarriers for brain tumors have limited delivery efficiency and potential for normal brain damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a safe and effective strategy for enhanced BBB penetration and glioma targeting.
• To utilize menthol, a traditional Chinese medicine component, for BBB penetration enhancement.
• To conjugate menthol to casein for creating targeted nanoparticles for glioma therapy.

Main Methods:

• Menthol was conjugated to casein to form self-assembled nanoparticles (M-CA-NP) for anti-cancer drug loading.
• Nanoparticle characterization confirmed appropriate size, shape, and high drug loading capacity.
• Tumor spheroid penetration and in vivo imaging were used to assess brain tumor distribution and penetration efficacy.

Main Results:

• Menthol-modified casein nanoparticles (M-CA-NP) demonstrated significantly deeper tumor penetration compared to unmodified nanoparticles.
• In vivo imaging confirmed higher M-CA-NP distribution in brain tumors.
• HCPT-M-CA-NPs treatment significantly prolonged median survival time in glioma-bearing mice, with organ staining indicating nanoparticle safety.

Conclusions:

• The study presents a novel approach combining traditional Chinese medicine (menthol) with modern delivery technology (casein nanoparticles) for targeted glioma therapy.
• Menthol-modified casein nanoparticles offer a safe and effective strategy for overcoming BBB limitations and improving glioma treatment outcomes.
• This approach holds promise for advancing brain tumor treatment by enhancing drug delivery and minimizing off-target effects.