Targeted SPION siderophore conjugate loaded with doxorubicin as a theranostic agent for imaging and treatment of colon carcinoma

Recently, the siderophores have opened new horizons in nanomedicine. The current study aimed to design a theranostic platform based on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles-pyoverdine (SPION/PVD) conjugates bound to MUC1 aptamer (MUC1(Apt)) and loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) as an anti-cancer agent. The SPION/PVD complex was covalently conjugated to MUC1(Apt) and loaded with DOX to prepare a targeted drug delivery system (SPION/PVD/MUC1(Apt)/DOX). The investigation of cellular cytotoxicity and uptake of formulations by MTT and flow cytometry in both MUC1 positive (C26) and MUC1 negative (CHO) cell lines revealed that MUC1(Apt) could improve both cellular uptake and toxicity in the C26 cell line. The evaluation of tumor-targeting activity by in vivo bio-distribution showed that the targeted formulation could enhance tumor inhibitory growth effect and survival rate in C26 tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, the potential of synthesized SPION/PVD/MUC1(Apt)/DOX complex as diagnostic agents was investigated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which improved the contrast of tumor site in MRI. Our findings confirm that aptamer-targeted PVD chelated the SPION as a diagnostic agent and loaded with DOX as a chemotherapeutic drug, would be beneficial as a novel theranostic platform.

Automated summary

This study aimed to design a therapeutic platform using SPION/PVD complex covalently bound to MUC1(Apt) and loaded with DOX for targeted drug delivery. The results showed improved cellular uptake and toxicity in MUC1 positive cell lines, along with enhanced tumor inhibitory effect in vivo. Additionally, the synthesized complex showed potential for use as a diagnostic agent in MRI, providing improved tumor contrast.