Lactoferrin-tagged Quantum dots-based Theranostic Nanocapsules for Combined COX-2 inhibitor/herbal Therapy of Breast Cancer

Abstract

Aim: Herein, tumor-targeted quantum dots (QDs)-based theranostic nanocapsules (NCs) coloaded with celecoxib and honokiol were developed. Materials & methodology: The anionic CD44-targeting chondroitin sulfate and cationic low density lipoprotein (LDL)-targeting lactoferrin (LF) were sequentially assembled onto the surface of the positively charged oily core. As an imaging probe, highly fluorescent mercaptopropionic acid-capped cadmium telluride QDs were coupled to LF. Results: In vitro, fluorescence of QDs was quenched (OFF state) due to combined electron/energy transfer-mediated processes involving LF. After intracellular uptake of NCs, fluorescence was restored (ON state), thus enabled tracing their internalization. The NCs demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells as well as superior in vivo antitumor efficacy. Conclusion: We propose these multifunctional nanotheranostics for imaging and targeted therapy of breast cancer.

Lactoferrin, a multi-functional glycoprotein: Active therapeutic, drug nanocarrier & targeting ligand

“… [ 132 , 133 ] CdTe QDs CXB HNK The theranostic LF-QD nanocapsules enabled fluorescence imaging of breast cancer cells after their uptake with enhanced cytotoxicity. [ 134 ] Mesoporous Silica NPs PMT ELA The NPs exhibited high internalization and synergistic killing of breast cancer cells. [ 135 , 136 ] Gold quantum clusters - LF hybridization successfully stabilized the gold nanoclusters in wide pH range.…”

Emerging Nanopharmaceuticals and Nanonutraceuticals in Cancer Management

“…Liver cancer [138], breast cancer [139], colorectal cancer [140], lymphoid malignant cells [141], melanoma [142], thyroid cancer [143], glioblastoma [144] NP, nanosome, QD…”

Nanomedicine-based approaches for improved delivery of phyto-therapeutics for cancer therapy

“…Multifunctional nano-theranostics contain a targeting agent that directs the carrier to the cancer cells, an agent for imaging the tumor tissue, and a therapeutic agent to be selectively delivered to the tumor. Theranostic nanocapsules for breast cancer were developed by including a therapeutic combination of the herbal alkaloid honokiol together with celecoxib and quantum dots (QDs) as fluorescence imaging probe [29]. While the drugs were solubilized within the oily core of nanocapsules, the QDs were chemically coupled to the lactoferrin tumor-targeting shell.…”

“…The strong fluorescence provided by QDs enabled both in vitro visualization of the nanocapsules internalized within MCF-7 cells and ensured their effective localization into the tumor tissues in vivo. However, low fluorescence intensity was detected in the mice liver and renal tissues [29]. In addition to the fluorescent imaging probes, magnetic nanoparticles provide a remarkable capability for tumor imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).…”