Aptamer-modified polymer nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery

authored by: Julia Modrejewski, Johanna Gabriela Walter, Imme Kretschmer, Evren Kemal, Mark Green, Hamza Belhadj, Cornelia Blume, Thomas Scheper
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop a model system for targeted drug delivery. This system should enable targeted drug release at a certain tissue in the body. In conventional drug delivery systems, drugs are often delivered unspecifically resulting in unwarranted adverse effects. To circumvent this problem, there is an increasing demand for the development of intelligent drug delivery systems allowing a tissue-specific mode of delivery. Within this study, nanoparticles consisting of two biocompatible polymers are used. Because of their small size, nanoparticles are well-suited for effective drug delivery. The small size affects their movement through cell and tissue barriers. Their cellular uptake is easier when compared to larger drug delivery systems. Paclitaxel was encapsulated into the nanoparticles as a model drug, and to achieve specific targeting an aptamer directed against lung cancer cells was coupled to the nanoparticles surface. Nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nanotracking analysis (NTA). Also their surface charge was characterized from ζ-potential measurements. Their preparation was optimized and subsequently specificity of drug-loaded and aptamer-functionalized nanoparticles was investigated using lung cancer cells.
Organisation(s): Institute of Technical Chemistry
Type: Article
Journal: BioNanoMaterials
Volume: 17
Pages: 43-51
No. of pages: 9
ISSN: 2193-0651
Publication date: 01.05.2016
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1515/bnm-2015-0027 (Access: Closed)