Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025
In Vivo Targeting of Xenografted Human Cancer Cells with Functionalized Fluorescent Silica Nanoparticles in Zebrafish
Published on: May 8, 2020
Light-Triggered Cancer Cell Specific Targeting and Liposomal Drug Delivery in a Zebrafish Xenograft Model
Li Kong1, Quanchi Chen2, Frederick Campbell1
1Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Cell-specific drug delivery remains a major unmet challenge for cancer nanomedicines. Here, light-triggered, cell-specific delivery of liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin to xenograft human cancer cells in live zebrafish embryos is demonstrated. This method relies on light-triggered dePEGylation of liposome surfaces to reveal underlying targeting functionality. To demonstrate general applicability of this method, light-triggered, MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell specific targeting in vivo (embryonic zebrafish) is shown using both clinically relevant, folate-liposomes, as well as an experimental liposome-cell fusion system. In the case of liposome-cell fusion, the delivery of liposomal doxorubicin direct to the cytosol of target cancer cells results in enhanced cytotoxicity, compared to doxorubicin delivery via either folate-liposomes or free doxorubicin, as well as a significant reduction in xenograft cancer cell burden within the embryonic fish.
Insights
Researchers developed a light-triggered method for precise cancer drug delivery using liposomes. This approach enhances doxorubicin
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Cancer Research
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Cell-specific drug delivery is a significant challenge in cancer nanomedicine.
- Targeted delivery aims to increase therapeutic efficacy while minimizing off-target effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate light-triggered, cell-specific delivery of liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin to xenograft human cancer cells.
- To showcase the general applicability of light-triggered dePEGylation for revealing targeting functionality.
Main Methods:
- Utilized liposomes encapsulating doxorubicin for delivery in live zebrafish embryos.
- Employed light-triggered dePEGylation to expose liposome targeting moieties.
- Investigated both folate-liposomes and a liposome-cell fusion system for targeting MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Achieved light-triggered, cell-specific targeting of cancer cells in vivo.
- Liposome-cell fusion system demonstrated direct doxorubicin delivery to cancer cell cytosol.
- Observed enhanced cytotoxicity and significant reduction in cancer cell burden compared to control groups.
Conclusions:
- Light-triggered dePEGylation offers a versatile strategy for cell-specific nanomedicine delivery.
- Direct cytosolic delivery via liposome-cell fusion enhances anti-cancer efficacy.
- This method shows promise for improving cancer nanomedicine targeting and therapeutic outcomes.
