A new theranostic pH-responsive niosome formulation for doxorubicin delivery and bio-imaging against breast cancer

As one of the newest generations of nanoplatforms, smart nanotheranostics have attracted signifivant attentions for medical applications, especially in oncology and cancer treatment. Indeed, their capability to provide treatment and diagnosis simultaneously leads to reduce time and side effects along with improving the performance. This study aims to introduce a novel smart nano-platform composed of doxorubicin-loaded pH-responsive stealth niosomes containing CdSe/ZnS Quantum dots as an imaging agent. Drug loaded nano-platform was fabricated via thin-film hydration method and then evaluated using different physicochemical tests. The entrapment efficiency and release profile of doxorubicin were assessed at three different pH (4, 6.5, and 7.4). Biological features and imaging ability of the nanoparticles were also evaluated by MTT assay, apoptosis assay, and fluorescence microscopy. Results showed that the fabricated nanoparticles were round-shaped, with a mean size of about 100 +/- 10 nm, -2 mV surface charge, and about 87% entrapment efficiency. The drug release profile presented a pH-responsive behavior (80, 60, and 40% drug release in pH 4, 6.5, and 7.4, respectively). The bioactivity assessments showed nearly 55% cytotoxicity effects via inducing cell apoptosis. Besides, the uptake of samples by the cells was confirmed through fluorescence imaging. Based on the results, this new nanoformulation could be considered as a candidate for future cancer theranostic applications.

Automated summary

Smart nanotheranostics, composed of doxorubicin-loaded pH-responsive stealth niosomes and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots, were fabricated and evaluated for their physicochemical properties, drug release behavior, and biological activities. The results showed that the nanoparticles had a round shape with an average size of about 100 +/- 10 nm, -2 mV surface charge, and 87% entrapment efficiency. The drug release profile exhibited pH-responsive behavior, with 80%, 60%, and 40% drug release at pH 4, 6.5, and 7.4, respectively. The nanoparticles also showed cytotoxicity effects and were taken up by cells, indicating their potential for future cancer theranostic applications.