Aptamer-Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles as Targeted Drug Delivery Systems for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has high mortality and rising incidence.
• Sorafenib, a standard HCC treatment, has poor bioavailability and solubility.
• A novel targeted drug delivery system is needed to improve HCC therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop aptamer-modified magnetic nanoparticles for targeted sorafenib delivery in HCC.
• To enhance sorafenib's therapeutic efficiency and minimize side effects.
• To investigate the targeting specificity and efficacy of the novel nanocarrier.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized magnetic nanoparticles coated with azelaic acid and aptamers targeting HepG2 liver cancer cells.
• Loaded nanoparticles with sorafenib.
• Characterized the drug delivery system using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques.
• Assessed drug release at different pH levels and evaluated cellular uptake in HepG2 and BJ cells.

Main Results:

• The nanocarrier demonstrated pH-dependent sorafenib release, with higher release at acidic pH.
• Aptamer modification significantly enhanced nanoparticle internalization in HepG2 cancer cells compared to normal BJ cells.
• The system showed selective cytotoxicity towards HepG2 cells while maintaining cytocompatibility with BJ cells.

Conclusions:

• The aptamer-modified magnetic nanoparticles offer a promising targeted delivery strategy for sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
• This system enhances drug selectivity towards tumor cells, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes and reducing systemic toxicity.
• The developed nanocarrier exhibits excellent potential for advancing HCC therapy through precision medicine.