The theranostic efficiency of tumor-specific, pH-responsive, peptide-modified, liposome-containing paclitaxel and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

BackgroundIn the present study, the tumor-specific, pH-responsive peptide H7K(R2)2-modified, theranostic liposome-containing paclitaxel (PTX) and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO NPs), PTX/SPIO-SSL-H7K(R2)2, was prepared by using H7K(R2)2 as the targeting ligand, SPIO NPs as the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agent, PTX as antitumor drug.MethodsThe PTX/SPIO-SSL-H7K(R2)2 was prepared by a thin film hydration method. The characteristics of PTX/SPIO-SSL-H7K(R2)2 were evaluated. The targeting effect, MRI, and antitumor activity of PTX/SPIO-SSL-H7K(R2)2 were investigated detail in vitro and in vivo in human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cell models.ResultsOur results of in vitro flow cytometry, in vivo imaging, and in vivo MR imaging confirmed the pH-responsive characteristic of H7K(R2)2 in MDA-MB-231 cell line in vitro and in vivo. The results of in vivo MRI and in vivo antitumor activity confirmed the theranostic effect of PTX/SPIO-SSL-H7K(R2)2 in MDA-MB-231 tumor-bearing model.ConclusionConsidering all our in vitro and in vivo results, we conclude that we developed targeting modified theranostic liposome which could achieve both role of antitumor and MRI.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications: A Perspective on Synthesis, Drugs, Antimicrobial Activity, and Toxicity

“…In this category are included bioactive structures such as lipids, peptides, and proteins [ 29 , 70 , 103 ]. In IONPs-based nanosystems functionalized with peptides, the biomolecules are able to maintain the stability of the nanostructures, as well as the magnetic properties of the IONPs [ 27 , 104 ].…”

“…Current investigations have also synthesized IONPs employing different shells with anticancer agents conventionally administered, such as β-cyclodextrin [ 135 ], carmustine [ 136 ], cetuximab [ 137 , 138 , 139 ], cytarabine [ 140 ], daunomycin [ 141 ], docetaxel [ 142 , 143 ], epirubicin [ 144 ], 5-fluorouracil [ 145 , 146 , 147 , 148 , 149 , 150 , 151 , 152 , 153 ], gemcitabine [ 22 , 154 , 155 , 156 , 157 , 158 ], methotrexate [ 159 , 160 , 161 ], mitoxantrone [ 162 , 163 , 164 , 165 ] and paclitaxel [ 27 , 104 , 166 , 167 , 168 , 169 , 170 , 171 , 172 ]. It is noteworthy, however, that these nanosystems demonstrate magnetic properties only in the presence of external magnetic fields to prevent agglomerations of nanoparticles [ 111 ] and to allow a satisfactory performance in the target sites.…”

“…These and other IONPs limitations, such as oxidation and cell toxicity, can be overcome by an adequate surface-coating, implying that the success of a IONPs-based nanosystem is also directly related to the properties of the coating material. Different organic and inorganic coatings, including natural and synthetic polymers [ 21 , 22 , 23 ], surfactants [ 24 ], gold [ 25 ], silica [ 26 ] and peptides [ 27 ] have been investigated in studies showing that shape, spatial configuration and nature of the coating play an important role on the nanosystem’s performance.…”

Recent advances and future prospects of iron oxide nanoparticles in biomedicine and diagnostics

“…Results indicated drug conjugated MNPs injected in tumor bearing mice (leukemia) showed a significant decrease in tumor growth compared to drug treatment alone Chen et al ( 2016 ) Liposome with paclitaxel and SPIONs 159–168 Comprising both MRI and antitumor characteristics. Results showed the tumor growth was supressed in MDA-MB-231 tumor-bearing mice compared to controls Zheng et al ( 2018 ) Fe 3 O 4 NPs with adriamycin and daunorubicin – Used as a combination therapy to treat lymphoma. Results revealed increased apoptosis in Raji cells and upregulation of p53, down regulation of NF-kB was observed with NPs drug combination treatment Hongmei Jing ( 2010 ) Cetuximab-IONPs – Both in vitro and in vivo studies revealed anti-tumor efficiency against gliomas Freeman et al ( 2018 ) Fe 3 O 4 NPs with urosilic metyl esters 10 Used as anti-cancer agent for leukaemia.…”

Antitumor activity of the bioreductive prodrug 3-(2-nitrophenyl) propionic acid-paclitaxel nanoparticles (NPPA-PTX NPs) on MDA-MB-231 cells: in vitro and in vivo

“…For preparing the MDA-MB-231 tumor-bearing nude mice model, the female BALB/c nude mice were injected subcutaneously with 0.2 mL MDA-MB-231 cell suspension (5×10 6 cells) with 20% basement membrane matrix into the right armpit. 15 XlogP and hansen solubility parameters of NPPa-PTX…”