Work

Pluronic F-127-functionalized magnetic ternary hybrid nanoparticles for co-delivery of paclitaxel and psoralen: a synergistic strategy to overcome multidrug resistance in triple-negative breast cancer

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: A series of magnetic ternary hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized through the chemical integration of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and lecithin, further functionalized with Pluronic F-127 (PEO-PPO-PEO). The ternary architecture afforded nanoparticles with well-defined spherical morphology, tunable particle sizes (69–166 nm), and high colloidal stability with zeta potentials exceeding −30 mV. Spectroscopic analyses, including FTIR, DSC, XRD and PLM, confirmed the successful incorporation of therapeutic agents within the ternary matrix, revealing their amorphous dispersion and strong intermolecular interactions with the carrier components. Magnetic characterization demonstrated retained superparamagnetic behavior, highlighting the magnetic responsiveness of the ternary system. In vitro studies against paclitaxel-resistant SUM159/TXR triple-negative breast cancer cells showed that the ternary nanoparticles enhanced cellular uptake, induced synergistic G0/G1 and G2/M cell cycle arrest, and promoted early-stage apoptosis. Co-encapsulation of psoralen and paclitaxel within the ternary hybrid framework amplified cytotoxic effects compared to individual formulations. In vivo evaluation using a xenograft tumor model confirmed superior tumor growth inhibition and minimal systemic toxicity. These results underscore the chemical design and structural optimization of Pluronic F-127-functionalized magnetic ternary hybrid nanoparticles as a promising strategy to overcome multidrug resistance and enhance therapeutic efficacy in aggressive cancers. This study constructed an Pluronic F-127-functionalized magnetic ternary hybrid delivery system co-loaded with superparamagnetic nanoparticles, PTX and PSO, achieving synergistic effects of magnetic targeting, hemotherapy and drug-resistance reversal, which provides a novel strategy for precise therapy of drug-resistant TNBC.

Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology

DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2026.1952492