Work

Size-Dependent Tumor Penetration and in Vivo Efficacy of Monodisperse Drug–Silica Nanoconjugates

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: The size of a nanomedicine strongly correlates with its biodistribution, tissue penetration, and cell uptake. However, there is limited understanding how the size of nanomedicine impacts the overall antitumor efficacy. We designed and synthesized camptothecin-silica nanoconjugates (Cpt-NCs) with monodisperse particle sizes of 50 and 200 nm, two representative sizes commonly used in drug delivery, and evaluated their antitumor efficacy in murine tumor models. Our studies revealed that the 50 nm Cpt-NC showed higher anticancer efficacy than the larger analogue, due presumably to its faster cellular internalization and more efficient tumor accumulation and penetration. Our findings suggest that nanomedicine with smaller sizes holds great promise for improved cancer therapy.

Source: Molecular Pharmaceutics

DOI: 10.1021/mp300684a

Authors: Li Tang, Nathan P. Gabrielson, Fatih M. Uckun, Timothy M. Fan, Jianjun Cheng

Institutions: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Southern California, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center

Language: English

Topic: Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, National Cancer Institute