Transferrin and tocopheryl-polyethylene glycol-succinate dual ligands decorated, cisplatin loaded nano-sized system for the treatment of lung cancer

Nanocarriers decorated with different ligands were used to achieve lung cancer treatment. Surface decoration of nanoparticulate system will assist in targeting the drug to specific tumor cells and tissues. The aim of this research was to develop a dual ligands decorated nanocarriers (NCs), which could increase the cell uptake and anti-tumor efficiency. Two different ligands: Transferrin (Tf) and D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) containing ligands were synthesized. Dual ligands decorated nanocarriers (DL-NCs) was constructed. The in vitro cytotoxicity, in vivo biodistribution, and in vivo antitumor efficacy of the DL-NCs were evaluated. DL-NCs can efficiently deliver cisplatin (CDDP) into lung cancer cells in vitro and reduced xenograft tumor size in vivo. The encapsulation of CDDP in the DL-NCs significantly improved the cytotoxicity and antitumor efficacy. DL-NCs held great potential for achieving an optimal therapeutic effect in the treatment of lung cancer.