Inhibition of human brain malignant glioblastoma cells using carmustine-loaded catanionic solid lipid nanoparticles with surface anti-epithelial growth factor receptor

Innovated catanionic solid lipid nanoparticles (CASLNs) carrying carmustine (BCNU) (BCNU-CASLNs) were grafted with anti-epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) (anti-EGFR/BCNU-CASLNs) and applied to inhibiting the propagation of human brain malignant glioblastomas cells. U87MG cells were treated with anti-EGFR/BCNU-CASLNs and stained for the expression of EGFR. The minimal average diameter of BCNU-CASLNs and maximal entrapment efficiency of BCNU emerged when the concentration of catanionic surfactants was 1 mm. An increase in the weight percentage of cacao butter (CB) reduced the zeta potential, enhanced the viability of human brain microvasscular endothelial cells (HBMECs), and decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α by HBMECs. The dissolution rate of BCNU and inhibition against the multiplication of U87MG cells using anti-EGFR/BCNU-CASLNs followed the order: 100% CB > 0% CB > 50% CB. Anti-EGFR/BCNU-CASLNs demonstrated the properties including an effective delivery to U87MG cells and antiproliferative efficacy against the growth of malignant brain tumors.