Transferrin-Decorated Protein-Lipid Hybrid Nanoparticle Efficiently Delivers Cisplatin And Docetaxel For Targeted Lung Cancer Treatment

Purpose: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapy faces the barriers including drug resistance. A transferrin-functionalized protein-lipid hybrid nanoparticle (PLHN) was designed loading both cisplatin (CIS) and docetaxel (DTX) for the lung cancer treatment. Methods: CIS and DTX were loaded into the hybrid nanoparticle and then decorated with transferrin (Tf). The Tf-functionalized protein-lipid hybrid nanoparticle (Tf-CIS/DTXPLHN) was investigated by determining the release behavior, cytotoxicity in vitro, and anticancer efficiency in vivo. Results: Tf-CIS/DTX-PLHN showed a nano-size of 189.5 +/- 5.9 nm, and a surface tested to be -16.9 +/- 2.1 mV. Tf-CIS/DTX-PLHN exhibited obviously better antitumor ability in vitro and in vivo compared with the non Tf contained CIS and DTX co-loaded lipid nanoparticles (CIS/DTX-LN), single drug loaded nanoparticles, and free drugs. Conclusion: Since remarkable enhanced efficiency of Tf and synergistic effect of the drugs, it could inhibit the lung tumor growth and help with the lung cancer treatment.