CD44 and CD221 directed magnetic cubosomes for the targeted delivery of helenalin to rhabdomyosarcoma cells

Abstract Confining chemotherapy to tumour sites by means of active targeting nanoparticles (NPs) may increase the treatment effectuality while reducing potential side effects. Cubosomes are one next-generation drug delivery nanocarriers virtue their biocompatibility and bioadhesion, sizeable payload encapsulation high thermostability. Herein, an system towards rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cells was evaluated. were loaded with helenalin (a secondary metabolite from Arnica plants), which we have previously shown induce apoptosis in RMS cells. The functionalization cubosomes accomplished enable binding membrane receptors translocation under a magnetic field. overexpress CD44 CD221 on surface and, therefore, hyaluronic acid (HA, ligand for CD44) antibodies (Abs) against coupled via electrostatic attraction thiol-Michael reaction, respectively. Magnetization cubic phase NPs achieved embedding superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIONPs) into matrix. Single-function multi-function had Im3m structures well-organized lattice patterns. Conjugation 2% HA or anti-CD221 half Abs and/or 1% SPIONPs showed significantly higher uptake compared unfunctionalized cubosomes. directed (triple-function) capable internalizing energy-independent mechanism. Helenalin-laden triple functionalized limited impact viability control fibroblast cells, they induced degree cytotoxicity Profound cell death observed both two-dimensional (2D) culture three-dimensional (3D) spheroids.