In vitro targeted imaging and delivery of camptothecin using cetuximab-conjugated multifunctional PLGA-ZnS nanoparticles

Background: Targeted cancer therapy has been extensively developed to improve the quality of treatment by reducing the systemic exposure of cytotoxic drug. Polymeric nanoparticles with conjugated targeting agents are widely investigated because they offer tunability in particle size, drug release profile and biocompatibility. Materials & methods: Here, we have prepared targeted multifunctional nanoparticles composed of a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) matrix, ZnS:Mn2+ quantum dots and camptothecin, and targeted them to EGF receptor overexpressing cells with a cetuximab antibody. Results: Physicochemical characterization of multifunctional nanoparticles showed stable particles with sizes of