Pickering emulsion templated proteinaceous microparticles as glutathione-responsive carriers for endocytosis in tumor
Weijie Jiang1, Xin Guan2, Wei Liu1
1Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education & School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, P. R. China. hangjiang@jiangnan.edu.cn.
Abstract:
The use of glucose oxidase (GOx) to disrupt glucose supply has been identified as a promising strategy in cancer starvation therapy. However, independent delivery of GOx is prone to degradation upon exposure to biological conditions and may cause damage to blood vessels and normal organs during transportation. Although some carriers can protect GOx from the surrounding environment, the harsh preparation conditions may compromise its activity. Moreover, the commonly used materials often exhibit poor biocompatibility and possess certain cytotoxicity. To address this issue, we developed a gentle and efficient method based on Pickering emulsion templates to synthesize protein-based microparticles using zein as the matrix material. These microparticles have high stability and can be tailored to efficiently encapsulate biomolecules while preserving their activity. Moreover, the zein-based microparticles can be triggered to release biomolecules in tumor cells under high glutathione levels, demonstrating excellent responsiveness, biocompatibility, and low cytotoxicity. Additionally, when loaded with GOx, these protein-based microparticles effectively deprive tumor cells of nutrients and induce apoptosis by generating high levels of H2O2, thereby exhibiting enhanced anticancer properties.
Insights
Researchers developed zein-based microparticles for cancer starvation therapy. These novel carriers protect glucose oxidase (GOx) and release it in tumor cells, enhancing anticancer efficacy with improved biocompatibility.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Therapy
Background:
- Glucose oxidase (GOx) shows promise for cancer starvation therapy by depleting glucose.
- Free GOx is unstable in biological environments and can cause toxicity.
- Existing carriers often use harsh conditions that reduce GOx activity or have poor biocompatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a gentle and efficient method for encapsulating GOx into biocompatible microparticles.
- To create a delivery system that protects GOx activity and targets tumor cells.
- To evaluate the anticancer efficacy of GOx-loaded microparticles in a tumor microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Pickering emulsion templates for synthesizing zein-based protein microparticles.
- Encapsulated glucose oxidase (GOx) within the zein microparticles.
- Investigated triggered release mechanisms in response to high glutathione levels in tumor cells.
- Assessed microparticle stability, biocompatibility, cytotoxicity, and anticancer activity.
Main Results:
- Zein-based microparticles were successfully synthesized with high stability and efficient biomolecule encapsulation.
- The microparticles preserved the activity of encapsulated GOx.
- Demonstrated triggered release of biomolecules in tumor cells under high glutathione conditions.
- GOx-loaded microparticles effectively starved tumor cells, induced apoptosis via H2O2 generation, and showed enhanced anticancer properties with good biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- Developed a novel, gentle method for creating zein-based microparticles for drug delivery.
- These microparticles offer a stable, biocompatible, and responsive platform for encapsulating and delivering enzymes like GOx.
- The GOx-loaded zein microparticles show significant potential as an effective anticancer strategy in cancer starvation therapy.
