Calcium Phosphate Hybrid Nanoparticles: Self-Assembly Formation, Characterization, and Application as an Anticancer Drug Nanocarrier

Calcium phosphate hybrid nanoparticles (CaP-HNPs) have been synthesized in aqueous solution through self-assembly by using two oppositely charged polyelectrolytes (poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and poly(acrylate sodium) (PAS)) as dual templates. First, the PAS/Ca2+ and PDADMAC/PO43 complexes form through electrostatic interactions and then two complexes self-assemble into CaP-HNPs after mixing them together. The as-prepared CaP-HNPs exhibit a spherical morphology with a narrow size distribution, good dispersibility, and high colloidal stability in water. The CaP-HNPs are explored as a nanocarrier for the anticancer drug docetaxel (Dtxl). The CaP-HNPs show excellent biocompatibility, high drug-loading capacity, pH-sensitive drug-release behavior, and high anticancer effect after being loaded with Dtxl. Therefore, the as-prepared CaP-HNPs are promising drug nanocarriers for cancer therapy.