Alpha-Fetoprotein Mediated Targeting of Polymeric Nanoparticles to Treat Solid Tumors

Abstract

Background: Serious side effects caused by paclitaxel formulation, containing toxic solubilizer Cremophor® EL, and its nonspecific accumulation greatly limit clinical paclitaxel application. Aim: To design paclitaxel-loaded copolymer of lactic and glycolic acids nanoparticles decorated with alpha-fetoprotein third domain (rAFP3d-NP) to increase paclitaxel safety profile. Methods: rAFP3d-NP was obtained via carbodiimide technique. Results: The particles were characterized with high paclitaxel loading content of 5% and size of 280 nm. rAFP3d-NP revealed biphasic profile with 67% release of paclitaxel during 220 h. Increased area under the curveinf and mean residence time values after rAFP3d-NP administration confirmed prolonged blood circulation compared with paclitaxel. rAFP3d-NP demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition at 4T1 and SKOV-3 models. Conclusion: rAFP3d-NP is a promising delivery system for paclitaxel and can be applied similarly for delivery of other hydrophobic drugs.

Applicability of Electron-Beam and Hybrid Plasmas for Polyethylene Terephthalate Processing to Obtain Hydrophilic and Biocompatible Surfaces

“…Next, we performed hemolytic activity analysis to evaluate the non-specific toxicity of the membranes. Generally, the hemolysis rate is described by HC 50 value—the concentration of the drug or formulation causing 50% RBCs lysis upon 1 h exposure [ 44 ]. The samples characterized with a lysis rate of less than 5% are generally considered non-haematotoxic.…”

Pharmaceutical Approach to Develop Novel Photosensitizer Nanoformulation: An Example of Design and Characterization Rationale of Chlorophyll α Derivative

“…We used a single emulsion technique to formulate NP–XL because it is suitable for the encapsulation of hydrophobic substances [ 6 , 18 ]. Emulsification is a crucial step in PLGA nanoparticles synthesis via single emulsion technique.…”

“…Particle size, ζ-potential-potential, and PDI were determined with ζ-potential sizer Nano ZS ZEN 3600 analyzer (Malvern Instruments, Malvern, UK) as was described previously [ 18 ]. The responses were measured in triplicates.…”

A Cancer Prevention and Treatment Opportunity

“…It has shown 100% survival with no tumor re-growth after in the mice models [53]. AFP-toxin conjugates might pave a new road to the cancer cure [54][55][56][57][58]. On the other hand, unlike complexes, artificial conjugates have the risk of immune response to themselves.…”