Albumin nanoparticles and cancer

What is it about?

Background and Objectives Gemcitabine is far from satisfaction as the 1st line regimen for pancreatic cancer, the emerging albumin nanoparticles bring new hope for the delivery of gemcitabine. In this paper, the gemcitabine loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles (Gem-HSA-NPs) were successfully synthesized, characterized, and tested on BxPC-3 cell line both in vitro and in vivo. Materials and Methods 4-N-myristoyl-gemcitabine (Gem-C14) was firstly obtained by coupling myristoyl to the 4-amino group of gemcitabine. The Gem-HSA-NPs were then prepared by nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab) technology and characterized for particle size, zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading efficiency and release character. In vitro and in vivo studies, Gem-C14 and Gem-HSA-NPs were both tested on human pancreatic cancer cell line (BxPC-3). Results Gem-HSA-NPs showed an average particle size of 150±27nm, with encapsulation rate of 82.99±3.5% and drug loading rate of 10.42±3.5%, it exhibited a favorable controlled and sustained release character. In vitro study, Gem-C14 indicated equivalent cytotoxicity as gemcitabine. In vivo study, the Gem-HSA-NPs exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on tumor growth while the lowest toxicity of the three groups. Conclusion The enhanced in vivo efficacy of Gem-HSA-NPs towards pancreatic cancer cell line suggesting its potential role for application in the clinical field.

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Why is it important?

In summary, we have successfully synthesized the Gem-HSA-NPs. Our in vivo results confirm that the prepared Gem-HSA-NPs can effectively inhibit tumor growth of pancreatic cancer cell line, meanwhile showing moderate toxicity. However, further studies must be performed to optimize this therapy for clinical use.

Perspectives