Abstract
BackgroundLung cancer is one of the most lethal cancers and lacks effective treatment strategy. Therapeutic efficacy can be improved through active targeting approach utilizing surface engineered nanoparticles (NPs) for cancer therapy. PurposeThe present study envisioned development of Folic acid (FA) functionalized NPs for co-administration of gefitinib (Gnb) and capsaicin (Cap) respectively to enhance the therapeutic outcome by disabling the barriers related to tumors extracellular matrix. Research methods and procedureThe FA conjugated Gnb/Cap polymeric (PLGA-PEG) NPs were prepared using oil in water emulsion technique and methodically developed using Quality by Design (QbD) concept employing central composite design. The developed formulations were subjected to various in vitro (A549 cell lines) and in vivo evaluations in urethane-induced lung cancer. ResultsThe modified NPs displayed particle sizes of 217.0 ± 3.2 nm and 213.0 ± 5.2 nm and drug release of 85.65 ± 3.21% and 81.43 ± 4.32% for Gnb and Cap respectively. Higher cellular uptake and lower cell viability in A549 cell line was displayed by functionalized NPs compared to free drug. Co administration of Gnb and Cap NPs displayed significant targeting potential, reduction in tumor volume while restoring the biochemical parameters viz., SOD, catalase, TBARS and protein carbonyl, towards normal levels when compared with toxic group. Significant down regulation was observed for anti-apoptotic proteins (MMP-9) and up regulation of pro-apoptotic proteins (caspase-3, caspase-9 and MMP-9) with co-therapy of Gnb and Cap NPs, when compared with individual therapy through Gnb/Cap. ConclusionPotentiation of the action of Gnb when co administered with Cap NPs can be a promising breakthrough for developing safe, effective and targeted delivery for lung carcinoma therapy.
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