Multifunctional polymeric micelles as cancer-targeted, MRI-ultrasensitive drug delivery systems.

Nasongkla, Norased; Bey, Erik; Ren, Jimin; Ai, Hua; Khemtong, Chalermchai; Guthi, Jagadeesh Setti; Chin, Shook-Fong; Sherry, A Dean et al. · Nano Lett · 2006

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

We describe the development of multifunctional polymeric micelles with cancer-targeting capability via alpha(v)beta(3) integrins, controlled drug delivery, and efficient magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast characteristics. Doxorubicin and a cluster of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles were loaded successfully inside the micelle core. The presence of cRGD on the micelle surface resulted in the cancer-targeted delivery to alpha(v)beta(3)-expressing tumor cells. In vitro MRI and cytotoxicity studies demonstrated the ultrasensitive MRI imaging and alpha(v)beta(3)-specific cytotoxic response of these multifunctional polymeric micelles.

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