Cancer cell targeting via nanocarriers is an area of increasing interest. In this study, we developed a novel malate conjugated peptide amphiphile that was self-assembled into nanofibers. Those nanofibers were then further conjugated with a tumor homing peptide specifically to target neuroblastoma cancer cells that overexpress the MYCN gene. The growth and morphology of the nanofibers was assessed by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. We also explored the thermal properties of the nanofibers using differential scanning calorimetry. The nanofibers were then entrapped with the chemotherapeutic drug Carmustine.  We examined varying concentrations of the drug to determine optimal encapsulation. In vitro release studies indicated steady release over a period of two weeks. We also conducted in silico studies using utilized Pocket Cavity Search Application (POCASA) to analyze the pocket cavities in the MYCN protein, Protein-Ligand Interaction Profiler (PLIP) to analyze protein-ligand interactions, and SwissADME to predict the pharmacokinetic properties and druglike nature of the assemblies. We also conducted molecular docking and sigma profile analysis. Our study shows a promising approach to target neuroblastoma cells via peptide-based drug delivery vehicles.

Targeting neuroblastoma cells with peptide nanofibers

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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