LHRHa aided liposomes targeting to human ovarian tumor cells: preparation and cellular uptake

Abstract

In this study, a synthetic nonapeptide similar to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRHa), the ligand of an extracellular membrane receptor specific to ovarian tumor cells, was selected as targeting moiety and electrically adsorbed to the negatively charged liposomes composed of phospholipid and monocholesterolsuccinate. Docetaxel, as the first line chemotherapy for ovarian tumor, was chosen to be encapsulated into the liposomes. And a high encapsulate efficiency (93%) and drug loading efficiency (20%) of liposomes were achieved via central composite design. In order to investigate the targeting efficiency of the drug delivery system, in vitro cell uptake was determined and the results showed an increasing uptake of LHRHa aided liposomes compared to normal ones.