Inhibiting Multidrug Resistance with Transferrin-Targeted Polymersomes through Optimization of Ligand Density

Langmuir. 2023 Nov 14;39(45):15920-15931. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c01726. Epub 2023 Nov 3.

Abstract

Transferrin-conjugated polymersomes, transferrin-biotin/avidin/biotin-Pluronic F127-poly(lactic acid) (Tf-F127-PLA), were successfully prepared through a biotin-avidin bridging technique to study their ability to inhibit multidrug resistance of cancer cells. Hydrophilic doxorubicin (DOX) was selected as the model drug to be loaded into Tf-F127-PLA polymersomes. DOX loaded in Tf-F127-PLA polymersomes was released fast initially, followed by a slow release. The effect of the transferrin ligand density of Tf-F127-PLA/DOX polymersomes on their targeting properties was studied by both cytotoxicity and cellular uptake assays against A549 lung cancer cells. It was shown that Tf-F127-PLA/DOX polymersomes had better targeting ability than nontargeted drug-loaded polymersomes. Furthermore, Tf-F127-PLA/DOX polymersomes with 2% Tf molar content have more effective antitumor activity and a higher cellular uptake than those with 4 and 5% Tf molar content. 2% Tf-F127-PLA/DOX polymersomes also exhibited better anticancer ability in multidrug resistant cancer cells A549/ADR than nontargeted PLA-F127-PLA/DOX polymersomes. It was further proved that the endocytosis of polymersomes by A549/ADR cells was an energy-dependent endocytosis process, which was related to clathrin, macrocytosis, and caveolin. Also, the endocytosis of Tf-F127-PLA/DOX polymersomes was proven to be mediated by the transferrin receptor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Avidin*
  • Biotin
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Doxorubicin / pharmacology
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Polyesters
  • Transferrin*

Substances

  • Avidin
  • Biotin
  • Doxorubicin
  • Ligands
  • Polyesters
  • Transferrin
  • UCON 50-HB-5100