Sanjun Ying, Fangyuan Guo, Weiyong Hong, Gensheng Yang, Ying Gao, Yunlong Jiao, Bang Lou, Xugang Ji, Anqin Li, Haiying Wang, Nan Yu, Xuefeng Zhou, and Wenchao Wu
Weiyong Hong,1,2 Ying Gao,2 Bang Lou,2 Sanjun Ying,2 Wenchao Wu,2 Xugang Ji,2 Nan Yu,2 Yunlong Jiao,2 Haiying Wang,1 Xuefeng Zhou,1 Anqin Li,3 Fangyuan Guo,2 Gensheng Yang2 1Department of Pharmacy, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Taizhou, 318000, People’s Republic of China; 2College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People’s Republic of China; 3Zhejiang Share Bio-Pharm Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, 310019, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Fangyuan Guo; Gensheng YangCollege of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, #18 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86571-88871077Fax +86571-88320913Email guofy@zjut.edu.cn; yanggs@zjut.edu.cnPurpose: To develop microchannel-based preparation of curcumin (Cur)-loaded hybrid nanoparticles using enzyme-targeted peptides and star-shaped polycyclic lipids as carriers, and to accomplish a desirable targeted drug delivery via these nanoparticles, which could improve the bioavailability and antitumor effects of Cur.Methods: The amphiphilic tri-chaintricarballylic acid-poly (ϵ-caprolactone)-methoxypolyethylene glycol (Tri-CL-mPEG) and the enzyme-targeted tetra-chain pentaerythritol-poly (ϵ-caprolactone)-polypeptide (PET-CL-P) were synthesized. The Cur-loaded enzyme-targeted hybrid nano-delivery systems (Cur-P-NPs) were prepared by using the microfluidic continuous granulation technology. The physicochemical properties, release behavior in vitro, and stability of these Cur-P-NPs were investigated. Their cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, anti-proliferative efficacy in vitro, biodistribution, and antitumor effects in vivo were also studied.Results: The particle size of the prepared Cur-P-NPs was 146.1 ± 1.940 nm, polydispersity index was 0.175 ± 0.014, zeta potential was 10.1 ± 0.300 mV, encapsulation rate was 74.66 ± 0.671%, and drug loading capacity was 5.38 ± 0.316%. The stability of Cur-P-NPs was adequate, and the in vitro release rate increased with the decrease of the environmental pH. Seven days post incubation, the cumulative release values of Cur were 52.78%, 67.39%, and 98.12% at pH 7.4, pH 6.8 and pH 5.0, respectively. Cur-P-NPs exhibited better cell entry and antiproliferation efficacy against U251 cells than the Cur-solution and Cur-NPs and were safe for use. Cur-P-NPs specifically targeted tumor tissues and inhibited their growth (78.63% tumor growth inhibition rate) with low toxic effects on normal tissues.Conclusion: The enzyme-targeted hybrid nanoparticles prepared in the study clearly have the tumor-targeting ability. Cur-P-NPs can effectively improve the bioavailability of Cur and have potential applications in drug delivery and tumor management.Keywords: enzyme targeting, nanoparticle fabrication, mouse model, growth inhibition