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In this study, a serotonin−stearic acid (ST-SA)-based bioconjugate was synthesized for the surface modification of manganese oxide-based nanocuboids (MNCs) for delivering of anticancer drug (i.e., doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX)) to human liver cancer cells. MNCs were synthesized by chemical precipitation method, and their surface was modified with ST-SA bioconjugate for targeting of MNCs to cancer cells. The ST-SA@MNCs along with DOX showed good colloidal stability, high drug encapsulation (98.3%), and drug loading efficiencies (22.9%) as well as pH-responsive biodegradation. Coating with ST-SA conjugate provided a shield to MNCs which sustained their degradation in an acidic environment. The release of DOX was higher (81.4%) in acidic media than under the physiological conditions (20.5%) up to 192 h. The in vitro antiproliferation assay showed that ST-SA@MNCs exhibit higher cell growth inhibition compared to that of pure DOX after 48 h of treatment. The cellular uptake and apoptosis studies revealed the enhanced uptake of ST-SA@MNCs in contrast to the MNCs due to overexpressed ST receptor on hepatocellular carcinoma cells and triggered the generation of reactive oxygen species in the cells. Therefore, these results indicated that the DOX-loaded, ST-SA stabilized MNCs improved the therapeutic index of DOX and would be a promising therapeutic candidate for tumor therapy.

Ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) is a potential alternative therapeutic approach to knock down the overexpression of genes in several disorders especially cancers with underlying genetic dysfunctions. For silencing of specific genes involved in cell cycle, small/short interfering ribonucleic acids (siRNAs) are being used clinically. The siRNA-based RNAi is more efficient, specific and safe antisense technology than other RNAi approaches. The route of siRNA administration for siRNA therapy depends on the targeted site. However, certain hurdles like poor stability of siRNA, saturation, off-target effect, immunogenicity, anatomical barriers and non-targeted delivery restrict the successful siRNA therapy. Thus, advancement of an effective, secure, and long-term delivery system is prerequisite to the medical utilization of siRNA. Polycationic nanocarriers mediated targeted delivery system is an ideal system to remove these hurdles and to increase the blood retention time and rate of intracellular permeability. In this chapter, we will mainly discuss the different biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic (organic, inorganic and hybrid) nanocarriers that encapsulate and shield the siRNA from the different harsh environment and provides the increased systemic siRNA delivery.

The stability of morin hydrate depends on pH, temperature, and light.