In this work, we have developed a new dual targeting nanocarrier system for targeting MCF-7 breast cancer cells. We synthesized a new amphiphatic peptide-based system where in Fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl protecting group was attached to the N-terminal of the peptide sequence L-S-G-C-G-N-S that comprised of a tumor targeting peptide sequence. The product self-assembled into nanofibers under aqueous conditions in the diameter range of 200-300 nm. The nanofibers were then encapsulated with an estrogen receptor antagonist drug fulvestrant. In some cases, the nanofibers were first attached to gold nanorods (10 nm) and then encapsulated with the drug to facilitate photo-triggered drug release. SEM and AFM imaging were used to probe the morphology of the drug delivery vehicles and FTIR, UV-Vis and DSC confirmed the entrapment of the drug while XRD confirmed incorporation of the gold nanorods. Release studies indicated that irradiation of the drug-encapsulated gold nanorod-bound assemblies with near infra-red laser showed a two-fold higher drug release compared to those without irradiation over a period of two weeks. Cytotoxicity studies indicated that the irradiated assemblies showed higher cytotoxicity toward the breast cancer cells due to both the greater release of the drug and interactions between the drug delivery vehicles and the cells. Furthermore, cell blebbing and complete loss of actin stress fibers were observed. Additionally, cell invasion studies showed reduction in cell invasion compared to control cells upon irradiation. Thus, the formed drug delivery vehicles demonstrate potential in targeting breast tumor cells and may have applications in tumor targeting.

Development of gold nanorod-peptide nanocomposites for phototriggered drug release to tumor cells

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.