Aim: To investigate the efficacy of lactoferrin nanoparticles (LfNPs) in delivering siRNA across the blood-brain barrier to treat glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and with an additional objective of potentiation of conventional temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy.
Methods: Aurora kinase B (AKB) siRNA-loaded nanoparticles (AKB-LfNPs) were prepared with milk protein, lactoferrin, by water in oil emulsion method. AKB-LfNPs were tested in cell lines and in GBM orthotopic mouse model with and without TMZ treatment.
Results: AKB silencing, cytotoxicity and cell cycle arrest by these LfNPs were shown to be effective on GL261 cells. Tumor growth was significantly lower in AKB-LfNPs alone and in combination with TMZ treated mice and increased the survival by 2.5-times.
Conclusion: Treatment of AKB-LfNPs to GBM mice improves life expectancy and has potential to combine with conventional chemotherapy.
Keywords: blood–brain barrier; glioblastoma multiforme; nanoparticle; siRNA; temozolomide.