Transferrin conjugated Stealth liposomes for sirolimus active targeting in breast cancer

Abstract

In the present work Stealth liposomes were conjugated with transferrin (Tf) for sirolimus (SRM) active targeting and the treatment of breast cancer. The developed Tf-Stealth liposomes were assessed for their particle size distribution, zeta potential and drug encapsulation. In vitro evaluation in BT-474 cancer cells demonstrated an antiproliferative effect of the sirolimus loaded Tf-DPPC-Stealth liposomes exhibiting greater cell cytotoxicity compared to Tf-DSPC-Stealth. Sirolimus loaded liposomes were injected intravenously and showed superior anticancer effect for Tf-Stealth nanoparticles with significant tumour growth suppression in comparison to the free drug and non-conjugated Stealth nanoparticles. The results reveal that sirolimus encapsulated Tf-Stealth liposomes are a potential drug delivery carrier for tumour active targeting and the treatment of breast cancer.