Cancer-cell-targeted theranostic cubosomes

Langmuir. 2014 Jun 3;30(21):6228-36. doi: 10.1021/la501332u. Epub 2014 May 21.

Abstract

This work was devoted to the development of a new type of lipid-based (cubosome) theranostic nanoparticle able to simultaneously host camptothecin, a potent anticancer drug, and a squarain-based NIR-emitting fluorescent probe. Furthermore, to confer targeting abilities on these nanoparticles, they were dispersed using mixtures of Pluronic F108 and folate-conjugated Pluronic F108 in appropriate ratios. The physicochemical characterization, performed via SAXS, DLS, and cryo-TEM techniques, proved that aqueous dispersions of such cubosomes can be effectively prepared, while the photophysical characterization demonstrated that these nanoparticles may be used for in vivo imaging purposes. The superior ability of these innovative nanoparticles in targeting cancer cells was emphasized by investigating the lipid droplet alterations induced in HeLa cells upon exposure to targeted and nontargeted cubosomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry
  • Folic Acid / chemistry
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Light
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Nanomedicine / methods
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Particle Size
  • Photochemistry / methods
  • Poloxamer / chemistry
  • Scattering, Small Angle
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Poloxamer
  • Folic Acid