Design and Preparation of “corn-like” SPIONs@DFK-SBP-M13 Assembly for Improvement of Effective Internalization

Abstract

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have exhibited preeminent diagnosis and treatment performances, but their low internalization severely limits predesigned functions. The low cell internalization is now an urgent bottleneck problem for almost all nanomaterials. To achieve more internalization of SPIONS, recombinant M13 phage was designed for targeted delivery and smart release. Methods: M13 phages were designed to co-express exogenous SPARC binding peptide (SBP) and cathepsin B cleavage peptide (DFK), formed recombinant DFK-SBP-M13. 3.37± 0.06 nm of SPIONs were modified by 3, 4-dihydroxyhydrocinnamic acid (DHCA) to gain 10.80 ± 0.21 nm of DHCA-coated SPIONs, i.e., DHCA@SPIONs. Upon adjusting the proportions of DHCA@SPIONs and DFK-SBP-M13, the multi-carboxyl SPIONs assembled onto recombinant M13 phages via covalent bonding. The assemblies were co-cultured with MDA-MB-231 cells to interpret their internalization and smart release.

Smart Delivery Systems Responsive to Cathepsin B Activity for Cancer Treatment

“…Superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs (SPION) were complexed with a genetically modified M13 phage [ 112 ] ( Figure 4 ) to target MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells [ 113 ]. The M13 phage co-expressed SPARC binding peptide to target cancer cells and the CtsB sensitive peptide DFK to bind the SPION.…”

“…( B ) Mechanism of payload delivery and release. Figure reprinted from the International Journal of Nanomedicine 2021 16 7091–7102 [ 113 ]. Originally published by and used with permission from Dove Medical Press Ltd.…”