Synthesis of multimodal polymersomes for targeted drug delivery and MR/fluorescence imaging in metastatic breast cancer model

The objective of the current study is to design and delivery of targeted PEG-PCL nanopolymersomes encapsulated with Gadolinium based Quantum Dots (QDs) and Doxorubicin (DOX) as magnetic resonance-florescence imaging and anti-cancer agent. Diagnostic and therapeutic efficiency of the prepared theranostic formulation was evaluated in vitro and in vivo.Hydrophobic QDs based on indium-copper-gadolinium-zinc sulfide were synthesized and characterized extensively. Hydrophobic QDs and hydrophilic DOX were loaded in PEG-PCL polymersomes through double emulsion method. Drug release pattern was studied in both citrate (pH 5.4) and phosphate (pH 7.4) buffer during 10 days. Both fluorescence and magnetic properties of bare QDs and prepared formulations were studied entirely. AS1411 DNA aptamer was covalently attached to the surface of polymersomal formulation in order to prepare targeted drug delivery system. Cellular cytotoxicity and cellular uptake analysis were performed in both nucleolin positive (MCF7 and 4T1) and nucleolin negative (CHO) cell lines. After in vitro evaluations, anti-tumor efficiency and diagnostic capability of the formulation was investigated in 4T1 tumor baring mice.Scanning emission electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed spherical shape and around 100nm size of prepared formulations. Transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) showed crystal shape of QDs with size of 2-3nm. Drug release study obtained controlled release of encapsulated DOX and stability of formulation ...
Source: International Journal of Pharmaceutics - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research