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Biomimetic Targeted Theranostic Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer Treatment
Suphalak Khamruang Marshall1,2, Pavimol Angsantikul3, Zhiqing Pang4
1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 14, 2022
Summary
Human red blood cell membrane-coated nanoparticles offer enhanced cancer targeting and drug delivery. This biomimetic approach improves drug efficacy and allows for visualization of cancer cells, paving the way for advanced nanotheranostics.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Cell membrane coatings on nanoparticles enhance biocompatibility and circulation time.
- Biomimetic nanocarriers show promise for targeted disease treatment.
- Developing effective nanotheranostics for cancer remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate human red blood cell (RBC) membrane-coated polymeric nanoparticles (TT-RBC-NPs) as a targeted nanotheranostic agent for EpCAM-positive breast cancer.
- To assess the targeting specificity, drug delivery efficiency, and imaging capabilities of the developed TT-RBC-NPs.
- To investigate the in vitro therapeutic efficacy and cellular uptake of TT-RBC-NPs in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Human RBC membranes were used to cloak polymeric nanoparticle cores containing doxorubicin (DOX) and an imaging agent.
- Targeting ligands were incorporated into the RBC membrane coating for enhanced cancer cell specificity.
- In vitro studies were conducted using EpCAM-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells to evaluate binding, drug release, cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake.
Main Results:
- The TT-RBC-NPs demonstrated specific binding to EpCAM-positive MCF-7 cells.
- Effective delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and visualization of targeted cancer cells were achieved.
- An extended drug release profile was observed, with maximum release within 5 days.
- Enhanced cytotoxic efficacy against MCF-7 cells was noted compared to non-targeted nanoparticles.
- Increased cellular uptake of TT-RBC-NPs within breast cancer cells was confirmed via fluorescence imaging.
Conclusions:
- The developed TT-RBC-NP platform is a promising biomimetic nanotheranostic for targeted cancer treatment and diagnostics.
- This nature-inspired approach offers enhanced immunocompatibility, prolonged circulation, and targeted delivery of therapeutic and imaging agents.
- The TT-RBC-NPs provide a foundation for next-generation stealth theranostic platforms for systemic cancer therapy.
