Biomimetic cancer cell-coated albumin nanoparticles for enhanced colloidal stability and homotypic targeting of breast cancer cells

Abstract

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a potent chemotherapeutic drug for breast cancer. However, its utility is limited by its high hydrophobicity. Although delivery of PTX using human serum albumin (HSA)-based nanoparticles, marketed Abraxane, has promoted its anti-tumor effect, the poor stability and insufficient tumor-targeting ability of albumin nanoparticles remains a challenge. Herein, a 4T1 cancer cell membrane-coated HSA nanoparticle was developed for PTX delivery (CM-HSA-PTX). The cell membrane modification strategy is used to improve stability and targeting ability to homologous cells of HSA-PTX nanoparticles simultaneously. The ratio of the cell membrane and HSA-PTX nanoparticles for preparing CM-HSA-PTX is optimized, and the resulting nanoparticles are about 160 nm in size. In addition, it is verified that the CM-HSA-PTX has better colloidal stability and sustained-release behavior, and the PTX is released faster in the presence of GSH. More importantly, CM-HSA-PTX exhibits a higher cell-specific targeting of the 4T1 cells and a more potent anti-tumor effect than Abraxane in vitro. This study provides a feasible and straightforward bionic strategy to improve the breast cancer chemotherapeutic effect.