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Updated: Sep 23, 2025
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Published on: December 1, 2016
Targeted delivery of paclitaxel by functionalized selenium nanoparticles for anticancer therapy through ROS-mediated
Guifang Gong1, Bailing Fu1, Caixin Ying2
1Department of Obstetrics Gynecology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University No. 402 Renminzhong Road, Yuexiu District Guangzhou 510120 China YanqingHuang2018hotmail.com Xuanqingshan2018@hotmail.com.
Abstract:
As a therapeutic anticancer agent, the clinical use of paclitaxel (PTX) is limited by its poor water solubility and serious adverse side effects. The targeted-specific intracellular delivery of an anticancer drug as a new therapeutic modality is promising for cancer treatment. The anticancer activity of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) with low toxicity and excellent activity has attracted increasing attention for use in biomedical intervention in recent years. In this study, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)-folate (FA)-modified selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) (Se@β-CD-FA@PTX) were successfully fabricated through a layer-by-layer method. The nanosystem is able to enter cancer cells through FA receptor-mediated endocytosis to achieve targeted-specific intracellular delivery. Se@β-CD-FA@PTX was found to increase the selectivity between normal and cancer cells. The viability in MCF-7 cells was remarkably lower than in MCF 10A cells, which may promote the specific targeted delivery of Se@β-CD-FA@PTX into MCF-7 cells. Moreover, Se@β-CD-FA@PTX was found to enhance the cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells via the induction of apoptosis activation of ROS-mediated p53 and AKT signaling pathways. The results demonstrate that Se@β-CD-FA@PTX nanoparticles provide a strategy for the design of cancer-targeted nanosystems for use in cancer therapy.
Insights
This study developed paclitaxel-loaded selenium nanoparticles modified with beta-cyclodextrin and folate for targeted cancer therapy. The novel nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced selectivity and potent anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Paclitaxel (PTX) is an effective anticancer drug, but its clinical application is hindered by poor water solubility and severe side effects.
- Targeted intracellular drug delivery offers a promising strategy to overcome these limitations and improve cancer treatment efficacy.
- Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are gaining attention for their low toxicity and potent anticancer activities, making them suitable for biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate paclitaxel-loaded selenium nanoparticles modified with beta-cyclodextrin and folate (Se@β-CD-FA@PTX) for targeted cancer therapy.
- To evaluate the targeted delivery, cellular selectivity, and anticancer efficacy of the developed nanosystem.
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms of Se@β-CD-FA@PTX-induced cancer cell death.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Se@β-CD-FA@PTX nanoparticles using a layer-by-layer method.
- Assessment of FA receptor-mediated endocytosis for targeted cellular uptake.
- Evaluation of cell viability and cytotoxicity in cancer (MCF-7) and normal (MCF 10A) cells.
- Analysis of apoptosis induction and signaling pathways (ROS, p53, AKT) in cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized Se@β-CD-FA@PTX nanoparticles capable of targeted intracellular delivery.
- Demonstrated enhanced selectivity of Se@β-CD-FA@PTX towards MCF-7 cancer cells compared to MCF 10A normal cells.
- Observed a significant enhancement in the cytotoxic effect of paclitaxel on MCF-7 cells.
- Confirmed that Se@β-CD-FA@PTX induces apoptosis via ROS-mediated activation of p53 and AKT signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Se@β-CD-FA@PTX nanoparticles represent a viable strategy for targeted cancer therapy.
- The developed nanosystem improves drug selectivity and efficacy while potentially reducing side effects.
- This approach offers a promising platform for designing advanced cancer-targeted drug delivery systems.
