Dual loading miR-218 mimics and Temozolomide using AuCOOH@FA-CS drug delivery system: promising targeted anti-tumor drug delivery system with sequential release functions

BACKGROUND: Dual loading drug delivery system with tumor targeting efficacy and sequential release function provides a promising platform for anticancer drug delivery. Herein, we established a novel AuCOOH@FACS nanogel system for co-delivery miR-218 mimics (as bio-drug) and Temozolomide(as chemo-drug). METHODS: DLS and TEM were employed to determine the characteristics of particles and nanogels. The cell viability was calculated for study synergistic effect of both drugs coadministration and in nanogel forms. The amounts of Au uptake were measured by ICP-MS in cell and tumors to quantify the targeting drug delivery efficacy. Tumor weight and mice weight were investigated to study the targeting antitumor efficacy of nanogel system. RESULTS: The results revealed that using AuCOOH@FACS nanogel as delivery vehicles, drugs could be targeting delivery to tumor site, the intracellular uptake is enhanced to a greater extent, and significant antitumor efficacy is fold increase compared with free drug administration group, without noticeable system cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: This system offers an efficient approach to cancer therapy and holds significant potential to improve the treatment of cancer in the future. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13046-015-0216-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.