Superior in vitro anticancer effect of biomimetic paclitaxel and triptolide co-delivery system in gastric cancer

As a well-known anticancer drug, paclitaxel (PTX), a first-line chemotherapeutic agent, remains unsatisfactory for gastric cancer therapy. It is reported that triptolide (TPL) could enhance the anti-gastric cancer effect of PTX. Considering the poor solubility of both drugs, we developed a red blood cell membrane-biomimetic nanosystem, an emerging tool in drug delivery, to co-load paclitaxel and triptolide (red blood cell membrane coated PTX and TPL co-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) [PLGA] nanoparticles, RP(P/T)). The successful preparation was confirmed in terms of particle size, morphology, and surface markers assays. This biomimetic system could prolong circulation and escape immune surveillance. And these properties were verified by stability, in vitro drug release, and cellular uptake assays. Moreover, the MTT and colony formation assays demonstrated the superior anti-proliferation effect of the RP(P/T) to free drugs. The enhanced antitumor effects of RP(P/T) on migration and invasion were also evaluated by wound-healing and transwell assays. Overall, the bionic co-delivery nanoplatform with improved efficacy in vitro is a promising therapy for gastric cancer.