Red Blood Cell-Based Delivery Systems for the Release of Hemoglobin-Derived Peptides with In Vitro Antitumor...

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to develop liposomes derived from lipids obtained from red blood cell membranes for potential use in antitumor applications. Hemoglobin hydrolysates exhibiting peptides with known antitumor activities were encapsulated within these liposomes. Methods: The developed liposomal systems were characterized by their physicochemical properties, including size, surface charge, and encapsulation efficiency, and tested in vitro against 4T1 breast cancer cells and NIH3T3 fibroblasts. Results: Results indicated that the liposomes achieved effective encapsulation (88.9%), with nanometer-scale sizes (ranging from 140.7 nm for Blank-Liposomes to 658.3 nm for Pep-Liposomes) and stable colloidal properties. Conclusions: Although cytotoxicity was limited, the use of liposomes from endogenous components, such as red blood cells, demonstrates promise as a complementary approach in anticancer therapy.