RESUMO
We aimed to encapsulate R-PE to improve its stability for use as a fluorescent probe for cancer cells. Purified R-PE from the algae Solieria filiformis was encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles using PCL. Nanoparticles were characterised and R-PE release was evaluated. Also, cellular uptake using breast and prostate cancer cells were performed. Nanoparticles presented nanometric particle size (198.8 ± 0.06 nm) with low polydispersity (0.13 ± 0.022), negative zeta potential (-18.7 ± 1.10 mV), and 50.0 ± 7.3% encapsulation. FTIR revealed that R-PE is molecularly dispersed in PCL. DSC peak at 307 °C indicates the presence of R-PE in the nanoparticle. Also, in vitro, it was demonstrated low release for nanoparticles and degradation for the free R-PE. Finally, cellular uptake demonstrated the potential of R-PE/PCL nanoparticles for cancer cell detection. Nanoparticles loaded with R-PE can overcome instability and allow application as a fluorescent probe for cancer cells.
Assuntos
Corantes Fluorescentes , Nanopartículas , Masculino , Humanos , Polímeros , Tamanho da Partícula , Estabilidade Proteica , PoliésteresRESUMO
Liposomes functionalized with monoclonal antibodies offer targeted therapy for cancer, boasting advantages like sustained drug release, enhanced stability, passive accumulation in tumors, and interaction with overexpressed receptors on cancer cells. This study aimed to develop and characterize anti-EGFR immunoliposomes loaded with cabazitaxel and assess their properties against prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo. Using a Box-Behnken design, a formulation with soy phosphatidylcholine, 10% cholesterol, and a 1:20 drug-lipid ratio yielded nanometric particle size, low polydispersity and high drug encapsulation. Immunoliposomes were conjugated with cetuximab through DSPE-PEG-Maleimide lipid anchor. Characterization confirmed intact antibody structure and interaction with EGFR receptor following conjugation. Cabazitaxel was dispersed within the liposomes in the amorphous state, confirmed by solid-state analyses. In vitro release studies showed slower cabazitaxel release from immunoliposomes. Immunoliposomes had enhanced cabazitaxel cytotoxicity in EGFR-overexpressing DU145 cells without affecting non-tumor L929 cells. Cetuximab played an important role to improve cellular uptake in a time-dependent fashion in EGFR-overexpressing prostate cancer cells. In vivo, immunoliposomes led to significant tumor regression, improved survival, and reduced weight loss in xenograft mice. While cabazitaxel induced leukopenia, consistent with clinical findings, histological analysis revealed no evident toxicity. In conclusion, the immunoliposomes displayed suitable physicochemical properties for cabazitaxel delivery, exhibited cytotoxicity against EGFR-expressing prostate cancer cells, with high cell uptake, and induced significant tumor regression in vivo, with manageable systemic toxicity.