Alpha-fetoprotein mediated targeting of polymeric nanoparticles to treat solid tumors

Background: Serious side effects caused by paclitaxel formulation, containing toxic solubilizer Cremophor(R) EL, and its nonspecific accumulation greatly limit clinical paclitaxel application. Aim: To design paclitaxel-loaded copolymer of lactic and glycolic acids nanoparticles decorated with alpha-fetoprotein third domain (rAFP3d-NP) to increase paclitaxel safety profile. Methods: rAFP3d-NP was obtained via carbodiimide technique. Results: The particles were characterized with high paclitaxel loading content of 5% and size of 280 nm. rAFP3d-NP revealed biphasic profile with 67% release of paclitaxel during 220 h. Increased area under the curve(inf) and mean residence time values after rAFP3d-NP administration confirmed prolonged blood circulation compared with paclitaxel. rAFP3d-NP demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition at 4T1 and SKOV-3 models. Conclusion: rAFP3d-NP is a promising delivery system for paclitaxel and can be applied similarly for delivery of other hydrophobic drugs.

Automated summary

This study successfully increased the safety profile of paclitaxel by designing paclitaxel-loaded nanoparticles rAFP3d-NP. rAFP3d-NP showed high loading content and moderate size, with appropriate release rate and prolonged blood circulation. The study also found significant tumor growth inhibition by rAFP3d-NP.