One-Step Self-Assembling Method to Prepare Dual-Functional Transferrin Nanoparticles for Antitumor Drug Delivery

Protein-based nanoparticles hold great promise in both preclinical and clinical practices due to their high biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, the complicated preparations often denature proteins, which subsequently diminish their bioactivity. To overcome these drawbacks, we developed a one-step self-assembling method for preparing protein-based nanoparticles. Transferrin (Tf), a targeting protein, was mixed with 2-mercaptoethanol to break disulfide bonds. Using this method, Tf-PTX-NPs (paclitaxel-loaded Tf nanoparticles) could be readily obtained. Tf-PTX-NPs were round and their diameter could be controlled in the range of 5-200 nm. The bioactivity of Tf to its receptor after forming nanoparticles was also confirmed in vitro. Tf-PTX-NPs also could inhibit the tumor growth to some extent in a mice tumor xenograft model. Therefore, using this self-assembling method, we fabricated this antitumor Tf-based nanoparticle, in which Tf acted as both the targeting moiety and drug carrier.