Low-Density Lipoprotein-Mimicking Nanoparticles for Tumor-Targeted Theranostic Applications

This study introduces multifunctional lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), mimicking the structure and compositions of low-density lipoproteins, for the tumor-targeted co-delivery of anti-cancer drugs and superparamagnetic nanocrystals. Paclitaxel (4.7 wt%) and iron oxide nanocrystals (6.8 wt%, 11 nm in diameter) are co-encapsulated within folate-functionalized LNPs, which contain a cluster of nanocrystals with an overall diameter of about 170 nm and a zeta potential of about -40 mV. The folate-functionalized LNPs enable the targeted detection of MCF-7, human breast adenocarcinoma expressing folate receptors, in T-2-weighted magnetic resonance images as well as the efficient intracellular delivery of paclitaxel. Paclitaxel-free LNPs show no significant cytotoxicity up to 0.2 mg mL(-1), indicating the excellent biocompatibility of the LNPs for intracellular drug delivery applications. The targeted anti-tumor activities of the LNPs in a mouse tumor model suggest that the low-density lipoprotein-mimetic LNPs can be an effective theranostic platform with excellent biocompatibility for the tumor-targeted co-delivery of various anti-cancer agents.