Facile encapsulation of hydroxycamptothecin nanocrystals into zein-based nanocomplexes for active targeting in drug delivery and cell imaging.

Abstract

A novel nanocomplex with HCPT nanocrystals encapsulated was designed to achieve selective cellular uptake by endocytosis, acid responsive release in the tumor microenvironment and excellent tumor suppression without toxicity. This nanocomplex with conjugation of folate was stable in the bloodstream, with minimal drug release in extracellular conditions, leading to prolonged blood circulation and high accumulation in tumor tissues. The entrapment of a nanocrystal drug into nanomaterials might be capable of delivering drugs in a predictable and controllable manner.