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Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
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Polymeric nanoparticles surface-complexed with boric acid actively target solid tumors overexpressing sialic acid
Hen Moshe Halamish1, Ivan Zlotver1, Alejandro Sosnik1
1Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Nanomaterials Science, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, De-Jur Building, Office 607, Technion City 3200003 Haifa, Israel.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|July 14, 2022
Summary
This study introduces novel borated nanoparticles for actively targeting solid tumors overexpressing sialic acid. These nanoparticles show enhanced tumor accumulation and reduced clearance, promising improved cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Sialic acid is crucial in the tumor microenvironment, influencing cell interactions and cancer prognosis.
- Overexpression of sialic acid is linked to poor outcomes in various cancers, presenting a therapeutic target.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate self-assembled, boric acid-modified nanoparticles for active targeting of sialic acid-rich solid tumors.
- To investigate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of these borated nanoparticles in targeting and inhibiting cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Development of amphiphilic copolymer nanoparticles surface-modified with boric acid.
- Characterization of nanoparticle size and morphology using dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy.
- Assessment of nanoparticle uptake and anti-proliferative effects in 2D and 3D rhabdomyosarcoma models.
- Evaluation of biodistribution in a murine xenograft model.
Main Results:
- Borated nanoparticles exhibited sizes of 100-200 nm and spherical morphology.
- Surface boration significantly enhanced nanoparticle permeability and uptake in sialic acid-overexpressing rhabdomyosarcoma spheroids.
- In vivo studies showed increased tumor accumulation and decreased liver clearance of borated nanoparticles compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Borated nanoparticles demonstrate effective active targeting of hypersialylated solid tumors.
- These nanomaterials show potential for enhanced drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes in cancer treatment.

