Microfluidized Dextran Microgels Loaded with Cisplatin/SPION Lipid Nanotherapeutics for Local Colon Cancer Treatment...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Malignant tumors require efficient therapeutic strategies with selective drug accumulation and minimal systemic absorption.
• Oral drug delivery systems face challenges like gastrointestinal degradation and off-target absorption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional sequential targeted delivery system for colon cancer therapy.
• To enhance therapeutic efficacy through dual targeting and localized drug release.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of microfluidized dextran microgels encapsulating cisplatin/superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs)-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs).
• Incorporation of dual targeting moieties (dextran and folic acid) for hierarchical targeting.
• Utilizing enzymatic degradation in the colon for controlled release of LNPs.

Main Results:

• The system demonstrated enhanced retention in the colon and increased cellular uptake by colon cancer cells.
• Encapsulation protected LNPs from premature absorption in the small intestine.
• The combined chemo/magnetothermal therapy significantly inhibited tumor growth and suppressed peritoneal carcinomatosis in mice.

Conclusions:

• The developed dual-targeted microgel system is an effective oral therapeutic strategy for colon cancer.
• Sequential release and targeting enhance therapeutic outcomes while minimizing systemic toxicity.