A targeted drug delivery system based on E. coli ghost for inhibiting non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Abstract

Doxorubicin (DOX) is extensively utilized in the treatment of aggressive lymphomas, while its significant toxic side effects hamper its clinical application. Hence, there is an urgent need for a safe and effective antilymphoma drug delivery system at this stage. This study successfully developed an optimal drug delivery system (R-PEG@BGs-DOX) to safe and efficient delivery of DOX to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma site. The R-PEG@BGs-DOX was prepared by modifying polyethylene glycol (PEG) and Rituximab (R) onto the surface of bacterial ghosts (BGs), which were obtained through NaOH treatment of E. coli BL21 with modulation to achieve target structures. The prepared R-PEG@BGs exhibited efficient loading of DOX, demonstrating excellent targeting properties. The R-PEG@BGs-DOX can significantly inhibit the growth of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cells while showing minimal toxic side effects on normal tissues. These results strongly suggest that R-PEG@BGs-DOX holds great promise as an intelligent, safe, and effective drug delivery system for anti-lymphoma treatment.