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Nanotechnology

Breakthrough in Nanotechnology: Researchers Develop Promising Nanoparticles for Lung Cancer Treatment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules has revealed a significant advancement in the field of nanotechnology, with the development of a novel nanoparticle system for the treatment of lung cancer. Scientists from Alexandria University have designed a dual-delivery system using lactoferrin-functionalized bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (ANPs) to co-load tetrandrine, a natural anticancer agent, and tumor-suppressive miRNA-126. This innovative approach has shown remarkable promise in preclinical studies, demonstrating improved drug delivery and reduced off-target side effects.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research team has developed a dual-delivery system using lactoferrin-functionalized bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (ANPs) to co-load tetrandrine and tumor-suppressive miRNA-126.
  • The optimized formulation (Lf-miRNA-126-Tet@ANPs) has a particle size of 131.9 ± 0.87 nm, low polydispersity index (PdI) of 0.135, zeta potential of -14.2 ± 0.57 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 66.7% and 68% of Tet and miRNA-126, respectively.
  • In vitro studies on A549 cells revealed selective potent cytotoxicity (IC of 2.53 mg/mL), a 3.4-fold increase in cellular uptake, and higher anti-migratory effect (0.95 ± 0.18% wound closure compared to 13.10 ± 1.33% for free Tet).
  • In vivo studies on a urethane-induced lung cancer model demonstrated efficient antitumor effect against lung cancer, with significant improvement in tetrandrine's antiproliferative, apoptotic, and antiangiogenic effects, restoring tumor biomarkers to levels resembling negative groups.

Statistics:

  • The particle size of the optimized formulation (Lf-miRNA-126-Tet@ANPs) is 131.9 ± 0.87 nm.
  • The polydispersity index (PdI) of the formulation is 0.135.
  • The zeta potential of the formulation is -14.2 ± 0.57 mV.
  • The entrapment efficiency of Tet and miRNA-126 is 66.7% and 68%, respectively.
  • In vitro studies showed a 3.4-fold increase in cellular uptake.
  • The IC50 of the formulation is 2.53 mg/mL.

Sources:

  • "Lactoferrin functionalized bovine serum albumin nanoparticles for synergistic chemo-gene therapy of lung cancer: Co-delivery of tetrandrine and miRNA-126." International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025:148256.
  • NewsRx. New Findings from Alexandria University in the Area of Nanoparticles Described (Lactoferrin functionalized bovine serum albumin nanoparticles for synergistic chemo-gene therapy of lung cancer: Co-delivery of tetrandrine and miRNA-126). Nanotechnology Weekly. October 27, 2025; p 625.

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