Tumor-targeted responsive nanoparticles for MRI and therapy
Source: News Medical Life Sciences, December 2024
Methods
Manganese oxide nanoparticles (Mn3O4 NPs) were synthesized and modified with an LHRH-targeting peptide or anti-melanoma antibodies (cancer-targeting moieties), as well as an MMP2 cleavable peptide (a possible chemotactic agent). Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were employed to entrap the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib and enhance the drug’s cytotoxicity.
The synthesized nanoparticles were studied in vitro for size distribution, stability, drug entrapment, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity. In vivo studies examined the nanoparticles’ body distribution and ability to enhance MRI signals in mouse melanoma, ovarian, and lung cancer models.
Results
Stable and uniform cancer-targeted nanoparticles (PEGylated water-soluble Mn3O4 NPs and NLCs) were synthesized. No cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, or DNA damage was observed in nanoparticles without an anticancer drug. When vemurafenib was entrapped into the nanoparticles, drug toxicity was significantly enhanced in cancer cells with the targeted V600E mutation.