Multimodal iron oxide (Fe3O4)-saturated lactoferrin nanocapsules as nanotheranostics for real-time imaging and breast cancer therapy of claudin-low, triple-negative (ER(-)/PR(-)/HER2(-))

Nanomedicine (Lond). 2016 Feb;11(3):249-68. doi: 10.2217/nnm.15.199. Epub 2016 Jan 20.

Abstract

Aim: To unravel the multimodal nanotheranostic ability of Fe3O4-saturated bovine lactoferrin nanocapsules (FebLf NCs) in claudin-low, triple-negative breast cancer model.

Materials & methods: Xenograft study was performed to examine biocompatibility, antitumor efficacy and multimodal nanotheranostic action in combination with near-infrared live mice imaging.

Results: FebLf NCs exhibited a size range of 80 nm ± 5 nm with observed superparamagnetism. FebLf NCs successfully internalized into breast cancer cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis and induced apoptosis through the downregulation of inhibitor of apoptosis survivin and livin proteins. Investigations revealed a remarkable biocompatibility, anticancer efficacy of the FebLf NCs. Near-infrared imaging observations confirmed selective localization of multimodal FebLf NCs at the tumor site and lead to time-dependent reduction of tumor growth.

Conclusion: FebLf NCs can be safe, biocompatible nanotheranostic approach for real-time imaging and monitoring the effect of drugs in real time and have potentials in future clinical trials.

Keywords: apoptosis; bovine lactoferrin; iron metabolism; multimodal imaging; nanotheranostic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Claudins / metabolism
  • Female
  • Ferric Compounds / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Lactoferrin / metabolism*
  • Nanocapsules*
  • Theranostic Nanomedicine*
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / therapy*

Substances

  • Claudins
  • Ferric Compounds
  • Nanocapsules
  • ferric oxide
  • Lactoferrin