pH-Responsive Hyaluronic Acid Nanoparticles for Enhanced Triple Negative Breast Cancer Therapy

Xiangle Zeng1, Hairong Wang1, Yawen Zhang1

  • 1School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, People's Republic of China.

Abstract

Insights

New nanomicelles (HDO-NPs) combine dasatinib (DAS) and olaparib (OLA) for triple-negative breast cancer. These drug-loaded nanoparticles improve drug delivery, enhance efficacy, and show promising therapeutic potential in preclinical studies.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses a significant therapeutic challenge.
  • Dasatinib (DAS) and olaparib (OLA) exhibit synergistic effects against TNBC by inducing DNA damage and inhibiting repair.
  • Limitations in drug solubility, half-life, and tumor concentration hinder the clinical application of DAS and OLA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a novel nanomicelle formulation (HDO-NPs) for co-delivering dasatinib (DAS) and olaparib (OLA) to enhance TNBC treatment.
  • To overcome the limitations of free DAS and OLA, including poor solubility and suboptimal tumor targeting.

Main Methods:

  • Amphiphilic polymer prodrugs (HA-DAS) were synthesized using acid-sensitive ester bonds to link DAS and hyaluronic acid (HA).
  • Nanomicelles (HDO-NPs) were formed by encapsulating OLA within HA-DAS carriers.
  • Characterization of HDO-NPs included particle size, stability, drug release, cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, pharmacokinetics, and in vivo therapeutic efficacy in TNBC models.

Main Results:

  • HDO-NPs exhibited spherical morphology, uniform particle size, good stability, and pH-responsive drug release.
  • Effective uptake by MDA-MB-231 cells via CD44 receptor binding, leading to increased intracellular drug concentration.
  • In vivo studies demonstrated enhanced tumor targeting, improved therapeutic efficacy, prolonged drug circulation time, and increased bioavailability compared to free drugs.

Conclusions:

  • HDO-NPs represent a promising drug delivery system for co-delivering DAS and OLA.
  • The developed nanomicelles significantly enhance the therapeutic efficacy against triple-negative breast cancer.
  • HDO-NPs show strong potential for clinical application in TNBC treatment.

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