Ahmed O. Elzoghby
Alexandria University, Egypt
Title: Novel tumor-targeted zein-based nanocarriers for co-delivery of anti-cancer drugs in breast cancer therapy
Biography
Biography: Ahmed O. Elzoghby
Abstract
Zein is a hydrophobic plant protein characterized by a good biodegradability and insoluble characteristics making it a good candidate for the development of biopolymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery. In this study, three types of zein nanocarriers were developed for targeted delivery of poorly soluble anti-cancer drugs. First, zein nanospheres were successfully prepared via phase separation technique for co-delivery of exemestane and luteolin. Second, zein nanocapsules were successfully developed using spontaneous emulsification technique for co-delivery of exemestane and resveratrol. The developed drug-loaded zein nanospheres and nanocapsules demonstrated a suitable particle size (150-250 nm) and a negative zeta potential (above -30 mV) exhibiting a controlled drug release behavior. The surface of zein nanocarriers was successfully decorated with lactoferrin as a tumor-targeting ligand via electrostatic interaction. In the third part of this study, amphiphilic zein-lactoferrin co-polymeric micelles for co-delivery of rapamycin and wogonin were successfully developed. The chemical conjugation via carbodiimide-coupling technique was evidenced by NMR, IR and fluorescence spectroscopy while the core-shell structure of the micelles in aqueous solution was demonstrated by TEM. The drug-loaded self-assembled nanocarriers exhibited a nanometric size (100-250 nm) and a positive zeta potential (around +30 mV) in addition to high drug loading and a sustained release profile. The developed zein nanocarriers showed superior cytotoxicity and cellular uptake against MCF-7 breast cancer cells and powerful in vivo anti-tumor efficacy in breast cancer rat model compared to free drugs. Thereby, zein nanocarriers could evoke a new effective tumor-targeted delivery system to breast cancer by passive and active targeting.