Transferrin-binding peptide functionalized polymersomes mediate targeted doxorubicin delivery to colorectal cancer in vivo

Yaohua Wei, Xiaolei Gu, Yinping Sun, Fenghua Meng*, Gert Storm, Zhiyuan Zhong

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

84 Citations (Scopus)
135 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Transferrin receptor (TfR) is a promising target validated in the clinical trials for managing various malignancies. Transferrin (Tf) and single chain antibody fragment can target TfR and are typically conjugated to nanomedicines via post-modification, which poses significant production challenges. Here, we report that the polymersomes functionalized with a Tf-binding peptide CGGGHKYLRW (TBP-Ps) can selectively and stably bind Tf and subsequently mediate targeted doxorubicin (Dox) delivery to TfR over-expressing HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The Tf surface density of the polymersomes could be controlled by the surface content of TBP. Interestingly, modifying Dox-loaded TBP-Ps with Tf led to greatly increased cellular uptake and inhibitory effect of HCT-116 cells. Tf-bound TBP-Ps demonstrated rapid accumulation in the tumor xenografts in nude mice following i.v. injection. More importantly, Dox-loaded Ps with Tf binding significantly enhanced the antitumor efficacy in mice bearing HCT-116 tumors compared to polymersomes without Tf binding. Surface functionalization of the nanoparticles with Tf-binding peptide provides an appealing strategy in formulating Tf-targeted nanomedicines.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)407-415
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of controlled release
Volume319
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Mar 2020

Keywords

  • Chemotherapy
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Polymersomes
  • Targeted delivery
  • Transferrin
  • 22/2 OA procedure

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