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Anti-CD133-grafted single-walled carbon nanotubes as doxorubicin carrier
Elham Momeni1, Rahime Eshaghi Malekshah2, Ali Khaleghian3,4
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
Background:
Advances in nanomedicine have spurred interest in antibody-conjugated carbon nanotubes for targeted cancer therapy. CD133, a marker enriched in chemoresistant cancer stem cells, presents a strategic target for precision drug delivery. This study explores functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as dual-action platforms for enhanced doxorubicin (DXR) delivery and CD133-specific targeting.
Methods:
Two nano formulations-SWCNT-Ab/DXR (antibody-functionalized) and SWCNT-PEG-Ab/DXR (pegylated antibody-functionalized)-were engineered to encapsulate DXR. Release profiles, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis were assessed in CD133+ HT-29 colorectal cancer cells and CD133- CHO control cells. Computational modeling included DFT-D structural optimization, Monte Carlo adsorption simulations for DXR binding analysis, and molecular docking to evaluate carrier-receptor interactions.
Results:
PEGylation markedly enhanced colloidal stability and drug-loading capacity, with SWCNT-PEG-Ab/DXR achieving 92% DXR encapsulation vs. 78% for non-PEGylated counterparts. In vitro, the PEGylated system showed amplified cytotoxicity (IC50: 2.1 µM vs. 3.8 µM for SWCNT-Ab/DXR) and 1.7-fold higher apoptosis induction in HT-29 cells. Computational data aligned with experimental findings: DXR adsorption energy was strongest on PEG-NH2-modified SWCNTs (- 32.6 kcal/mol) versus carboxylated variants (- 24.8 kcal/mol), confirming PEG's role in stabilizing drug-carrier interactions.
Conclusions:
By integrating PEG-mediated stealth properties, charge-modified surfaces, and antibody targeting, SWCNT-PEG-Ab/DXR emerges as a multifunctional nanoplatform with enhanced tumor selectivity and therapeutic payload delivery. This dual experimental-computational approach underscores the potential of rationally engineered nanotubes to overcome limitations in conventional chemotherapy.
Insights
Functionalized carbon nanotubes deliver doxorubicin chemotherapy more effectively to cancer cells. This nanomedicine approach enhances drug delivery and targets cancer stem cells, improving treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Antibody-conjugated carbon nanotubes are explored for targeted cancer therapy.
- CD133 is a key marker in chemoresistant cancer stem cells, making it a target for precision drug delivery.
- Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are investigated as platforms for doxorubicin (DXR) delivery and CD133 targeting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer dual-action SWCNTs for enhanced doxorubicin delivery and CD133-specific targeting.
- To evaluate the efficacy of pegylated antibody-functionalized SWCNTs (SWCNT-PEG-Ab/DXR) compared to non-pegylated counterparts.
- To utilize computational modeling to understand drug-carrier interactions and optimize nanoplatform design.
Main Methods:
- Two nanoformulations, SWCNT-Ab/DXR and SWCNT-PEG-Ab/DXR, were created to encapsulate DXR.
- In vitro studies assessed drug release, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis in CD133+ and CD133- cells.
- Computational methods included DFT-D optimization, Monte Carlo simulations for DXR adsorption, and molecular docking for receptor interactions.
Main Results:
- PEGylation improved colloidal stability and DXR loading (92% for SWCNT-PEG-Ab/DXR vs. 78%).
- SWCNT-PEG-Ab/DXR demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity (IC50: 2.1 µM vs. 3.8 µM) and 1.7-fold higher apoptosis induction in HT-29 cells.
- Computational analysis confirmed PEG's role in stabilizing DXR-carrier interactions, with stronger adsorption energy on PEG-NH2-modified SWCNTs.
Conclusions:
- SWCNT-PEG-Ab/DXR serves as a multifunctional nanoplatform with improved tumor selectivity and drug delivery.
- The integration of PEGylation, surface modification, and antibody targeting enhances therapeutic efficacy.
- This combined experimental and computational approach highlights the potential of engineered nanotubes to overcome chemotherapy limitations.
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