Antitumor effects of carbon nanotube‑drug complex against human breast cancer cells

Abstract

To improve the bio-solubility and sustained-release properties of a carbon nanotube (CNT)-drug complex, the present study used a hydrophilic polymer, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and β-estradiol (E2), which targets the estrogen receptor in human breast cancer cells (HBCCs), to modify CNTs carrying lobaplatin (LBP) to form E2-PEG-CNT-LBP. The in vitro inhibitory effects against HBCCs and the in vivo pharmacological effect of the complex on heart, liver and kidney tissues were also evaluated. The results indicated that the inhibitory effects of this complex against HBCCs reached 80.44% within 72 h. A blood biochemical test of normal mice indicated that this complex reduced platelet counts, while aspartate aminotransferase levels were increased compared with those in the control group. Histopathological analysis revealed no obvious adverse effects on the heart, liver and kidneys. The in vivo results indicated that the novel E2-PEG-CNT-LBP complex had no obvious toxic effects while exhibiting sustained-release properties. The clearance of E2-PEG-CNT-LBP by non-specific uptake systems was delayed and its clearance was increased compared with LBP alone.

Application of Carbon Nanotubes in Breast Cancer Therapy

“…In a recent study, polyethylene glycol (for its physiochemical characteristics and biocompatibility) and estradiol-E2 (es- tradiol receptors are over expressed in breast cancer cells) were used for CNT modification and lobaplatin (third generation, platinum anticancer drug) was loaded for the treatment of breast cancer. It was seen that incubating cells after 72 h at the dose of 200 µg/ ml of PEG-E2-CNT-lobaplatin significantly inhibited the tumorigenic activity of the cells, without any toxic effects [49].…”

Antiproliferative Activity of PEG-PEI-SWCNTs against AMJ13 Breast Cancer Cells

“…PEIs are used in coating materials for inorganic nanoparticles and gene delivery. They also reveal a crucial endosomal escape potential following intracellular absorption through the "proton sponge" effect [33] and neutral biocompatible polymers, as they prolong the drug release time and improve the killing effect on cells [34,35].…”

An update on nanoparticle usage in breast cancer imaging

“…This poses an obvious problem as the body's environment is aqueous, so the carbon nanotubes have increased toxicity and less biocompatibility. [53] NPs must also follow the restraints of the imaging systems. In the case of gold NPs, the K-edge is outside of the mammography energy range, so it is not a suitable CA for DEM.…”