Trastuzumab-Conjugated Liposome-Coated Fluorescent Magnetic Nanoparticles to Target Breast Cancer

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize mesoporous silica-core-shell magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) encapsulated by liposomes (Lipo [MNP@m-SiO(2)]) in order to enhance their stability, allow them to be used in any buffer solution, and to produce trastuzumab-conjugated (Lipo[MNP@m-SiO(2)]-Her2(Ab)) nanoparticles to be utilized in vitro for the targeting of breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The physiochemical characteristics of Lipo[MNP@m-SiO(2)] were assessed in terms of size, morphological features, and in vitro safety. The multimodal imaging properties of the organic dye incorporated into Lipo[MNP@m-SiO(2)] were assessed with both in vitro fluorescence and MR imaging. The specific targeting ability of trastuzumab (Her2/neu antibody, Herceptin®)-conjugated Lipo[MNP@m-SiO(2)] for Her2/neu-positive breast cancer cells was also evaluated with fluorescence and MR imaging. RESULTS: We obtained uniformly-sized and evenly distributed Lipo[MNP@m-SiO(2)] that demonstrated biological stability, while not disrupting cell viability. Her2/neu-positive breast cancer cell targeting by trastuzumab-conjugated Lipo[MNP@m-SiO(2)] was observed by in vitro fluorescence and MR imaging. CONCLUSION: Trastuzumab-conjugated Lipo[MNP@m-SiO(2)] is a potential treatment tool for targeted drug delivery in Her2/neu-positive breast cancer.