New approaches to tumor therapy with siRNA-decorated and chitosan-modified PLGA nanoparticles

Abstract

Objective: in this study, we aimed to develop a candidate modifited polymeric nanoparticle (NP) system that will kill cancer cells by facilitated to apoptosis and also reduce pain. Methods: Chitosan-modified PLGA NPs were prepared using an nanoprecipitation technique. the NPs were loaded with flurbiprofen and decorated with folic acid. STAT3-siRNA was adsorbed to these polymeric NPs using antisense technology. Results: the NPs were small in size (176.9-220.3 nm) with positive zeta potential (+14.1 mV to +27.2 mV). They had high loading capacity and prolonged release properties over 144 hours. Cytotoxicity studies performed with siRNA showed effective electrostatic interaction due to the positively charged NPs. Folic acid facilitated entry into cancer cells and helped to kill them. Conclusion: the formulation we developed is a potential carrier system for both treatment of cancer and prevention of pain, especially for metastatic cancers.