Bioconjugated solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for targeted prostate cancer therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Prostate cancer poses a significant global health challenge.
• Curcumin (CRC) exhibits anticancer properties but suffers from poor solubility and bioavailability.
• Targeted drug delivery systems are needed to enhance CRC efficacy for prostate cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop transferrin (Tf) bioconjugated solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with curcumin (CRC).
• To evaluate the efficacy of Tf-CRC-SLNs for active targeting and treatment of prostate cancer cells.
• To assess the in-vitro and in-vivo anti-cancer activity of the developed nanocarrier.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of blank Tf-SLNs and Tf-CRC-SLNs.
• In-vitro cytotoxicity and anti-proliferative assays.
• Cellular uptake studies and apoptosis/necrosis analysis.
• In-vivo efficacy studies in mice bearing prostate cancer.

Main Results:

• Tf-CRC-SLNs exhibited minimal cytotoxicity of blank nanoparticles.
• Significant in-vitro anti-proliferative activity and enhanced cellular uptake of Tf-CRC-SLNs compared to controls.
• Improved induction of apoptosis and necrosis by Tf-CRC-SLNs.
• Substantial tumor regression (392.64 mm³ after 4 weeks) observed in vivo with Tf-CRC-SLNs.

Conclusions:

• Transferrin-conjugated solid lipid nanoparticles effectively target and deliver curcumin to prostate cancer cells.
• Tf-CRC-SLNs demonstrate potent in-vitro and in-vivo anti-cancer efficacy, including significant tumor regression.
• Bioconjugated SLNs hold promise as a therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer treatment, warranting further clinical investigation.