Codelivery of CPT and siPHB1 with GSH/ROS Dual-Responsive Hybrid Nanoparticles Based on a [12]aneN3-Derived Lipid for Synergistic Lung Cancer Therapy

The combination of small-interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated gene silencing and chemotherapeutic agents for lung cancer treatment has attracted widespread attention in terms of a greater therapeutic effect, minimization of systemic toxicity, and inhibition of multiple drug resistance (MDR). In this work, three amphiphiles, CBN1-CBN3, were first designed and synthesized as a camptothecin (CPT) conjugate and gene condensation agents by the combination of CPT prodrugs and di(triazole-[12]aneN3) through the ROS-responsive phenylborate ester and different lengths of alkyl chains (with 6, 9, 12 carbon chains for CBN1-CBN3, respectively). CBN1-CBN3 were able to be self-assembled into liposomes with an average diameter in the range of 320-240 nm, showing the ability to effectively condense siRNA. Among them, CBN2, with a nine-carbon alkyl chain, displayed the best anticancer efficiency in A549 cells. In order to give nanomedicines a stealth property and PEGylation/dePEGylation transition, a GSH-responsive PEGylated TPE derivative containing a disulfide linkage (TSP) was further designed and prepared. A combination of CBN2/siRNA complexes and DOPE with TSP resulted in GSH/ROS dual-responsive lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (CBN2-DP/siRNA NPs). In present GSH and H2O2, CBN2-DP/siRNA NPs were decomposed, resulting in the controlled release of CPT drug and siRNA. In vitro, CBN2-DP/siPHB1 NPs showed the best anticancer activity for suppression of about 75% of A549 cell proliferation in a serum medium. The stability of CBN2-DP/siRNA NPs was significantly prolonged in blood circulation, and they showed effective accumulation in the A549 tumor site through an enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. In vivo, CBN2-DP/siPHB1 NPs demonstrated enhanced synergistic cancer therapy efficacy and tumor inhibition as high as 71.2%. This work provided a strategy for preparing lipid-polymer hybrid NPs with GSH/ROS dual-responsive properties and an intriguing method for lung cancer therapy.

Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles with Both PD-L1 Knockdown and Mild Photothermal Effect for Tumor Photothermal Immunotherapy

In developing countries, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is on the rise. The combination of programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) siRNA (siPD-L1) and mild photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising strategy for CRC treatment. In this study, dopamine-modified polyethylenimine (PEI) was prepared to fabricate an IR780 and siPD-L1 codelivery lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticle (lip@PSD-siP) for the photothermal immunotherapy of CRC. The modification of dopamine can significantly reduce the cytotoxicity of PEI. lip@PSD-siP can be effectively taken up by CT26 cells and successfully escaped from lysosomes after entering the cells for 4 h. After CT26 cells were transfected with lip@PSD-siP, the PD-L1 positive cell rate decreased by 82.4%, and its PD-L1 knockdown effect was significantly stronger than the positive control Lipo3000-siP. In vivo studies showed that lip@PSD-siP-mediated mild PTT and efficient PD-L1 knockdown exhibited primary and distal tumor inhibition, metastasis delay, and rechallenged tumor inhibition. The treatment with lip@PSD-siP significantly promoted the maturation of dendritic cells in lymph nodes. The amount of T cell infiltration in the tumor tissues increased significantly, and the frequency of CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells was significantly higher than that of other groups. The percentage of immunosuppressive regulatory cells (Tregs) in the tumor tissue on the treatment side decreased by 88% compared to the PBS group, and the proportion of CD8+CD69+ T cells in the distal tumor tissue was 2.8 times that of the PBS group. The memory T cells of mice in the long-term antitumor model were analyzed. The results showed that after treatment with lip@PSD-siP, the frequency of effector memory T cells (Tem cells) significantly increased, suggesting the formation of immune memory.

Development and In Vitro Evaluation of Crizotinib-Loaded Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles Using Box-Behnken Design in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

The goal of the study was to produce, optimize, characterize, and compare crizotinib-loaded lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (CL-LPHNPs), representing a novel contribution to the existing literature, and to determine their anticancer activity in non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC). Box-Behnken design was used to investigate the effect of three independent variables: polymer amount (X1), soy phosphatidylcholine (X2), and DSPE-PEG (X3), on three responses: particle size (Y1), polydispersity index (Y2), and zeta potential (Y3). Different parameters were evaluated on the optimized LPHNP formulations such as encapsulation efficiency, drug release study, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image analysis, and in vitro cell evaluations. The mean particle size of the optimized formulation is between 120 and 220 nm with a PDI< 0.2 and a zeta potential of -10 to -15 mV. The encapsulation efficiency values of crizotinib-loaded PLGA-LPHNPs (CL-PLGA-LPHNPs) and crizotinib-loaded PCL-LPHNPs (CL-PCL-LPHNPs) were 79.25±0.07% and 70.93±1.81%, respectively. Drug release study of CL-PLGA-LPHNPs and CL-PCL-LPHNPs showed a controlled and sustained release pattern as a result of core-shell type. Additionally, after 48 h, CL-PLGA-LPHNPs and CL-PCL-LPHNPs significantly reduced the viability of NCI-H2228 cells compared to free crizotinib. Moreover, CL-PLGA-LPHNPs and CL-PCL-LPHNPs exhibited a significant decrease in RAS, RAF, MEK, and ERK gene/protein expression levels after 48-h incubation. In conclusion, this pioneering study introduces lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles containing crizotinib as a novel treatment approach, uniting the advantages of a polymeric core and a lipid shell. The successful formulation optimization using Box-Behnken design yielded nanoparticles with adjustable size, remarkable stability, high drug loading, and a customizable drug release profile. Extensive investigations of key parameters, including particle size, PDI, ZP, TEM analysis, drug release, EE%, and in vitro evaluations, validate the potential of these nanoparticles. Moreover, the examination of two different polymers, PLGA and PCL, highlights their distinct impacts on nanoparticle performance. This research opens up new prospects for advanced therapeutic interventions with lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles.

Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanosystems: A Rational Fusion for Advanced Therapeutic Delivery

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are spherical vesicles composed of ionizable lipids that are neutral at physiological pH. Despite their benefits, unmodified LNP drug delivery systems have substantial drawbacks, including a lack of targeted selectivity, a short blood circulation period, and in vivo instability. lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) are the next generation of nanoparticles, having the combined benefits of polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes. LPHNPs are being prepared from both natural and synthetic polymers with various techniques, including one- or two-step methods, emulsification solvent evaporation (ESE) method, and the nanoprecipitation method. Varieties of LPHNPs, including monolithic hybrid nanoparticles, core-shell nanoparticles, hollow core-shell nanoparticles, biomimetic lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles, and polymer-caged liposomes, have been investigated for various drug delivery applications. However, core-shell nanoparticles having a polymeric core surrounded by a highly biocompatible lipid shell are the most commonly explored LPHNPs for the treatment of various diseases. In this review, we will shed light on the composition, methods of preparation, classification, surface functionalization, release mechanism, advantages and disadvantages, patents, and clinical trials of LPHNPs, with an emphasis on core-shell-structured LPHNPs.

Baicalin-Loaded Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles Inhibiting the Proliferation of Human Colon Cancer: Pharmacokinetics and In Vivo Evaluation

This research work is focused on pharmacokinetic and biochemical experiments to assess baicalin-loaded lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) with colon-targeting specificity. The nanoprecipitation method was used to develop the LPHNPs, and the characterized formulation revealed the 184.3 nm particle size, PDI of 0.177, spherical shape, and zeta potential of -19.8 mV. The baicalin LPHNPs are said to be poorly absorbed in the stomach and small intestine, and in vitro drug release tests have shown that the drug is released mostly in the caecal fluid. Additionally, the LPHNPs showed stability and nonsignificant drug loss at 25 °C for 3 months. The least viable population of baicalin-loaded LPHNPs was detected at a lower IC₅₀ value after 48 h, and no cytotoxicity was observed by blank suspension and blank LPHNPs up to the concentration of 100 µg/mL. Apart from this, the pharmacokinetics study showed that baicalin from LPHNPs is much less absorbed and least available in the blood plasma and maximum available in the colon. Concurrently, organ distribution studies demonstrated that baicalin-loaded LPHNPs were distributed more widely in the colon compared to baicalin suspension. Moreover, baicalin-loaded LPHNPs were found to be superior to a baicalin suspension in reducing elevated liver enzyme levels. In a nutshell, baicalin-loaded LPHNPs show superior efficacy and can be maximally localized into the colon rectal cancer along with systemic availability of the drug.

In Vitro and In Vivo Effect of pH-Sensitive PLGA-TPGS-Based Hybrid Nanoparticles Loaded with Doxorubicin for Breast Cancer Therapy

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an antineoplastic agent clinically employed for treating breast cancer patients. Despite its effectiveness, its inherent adverse toxic side effects often limit its clinical application. To overcome these drawbacks, lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNP) arise as promising nanoplatforms that combine the advantages of both liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles into a single delivery system. Alpha-tocopherol succinate (TS) is a derivative of vitamin E that shows potent anticancer mechanisms, and it is an interesting approach as adjuvant. In this study, we designed a pH-sensitive PLGA-polymer-core/TPGS-lipid-shell hybrid nanoparticle, loaded with DOX and TS (LPNP_TS-DOX). Nanoparticles were physicochemically and morphologically characterized. Cytotoxicity studies, migration assay, and cellular uptake were performed in 4T1, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Antitumor activity in vivo was evaluated in 4T1 breast tumor-bearing mice. In vitro studies showed a significant reduction in cell viability, cell migration, and an increase in cellular uptake for the 4T1 cell line compared to free DOX. In vivo antitumor activity showed that LPNP-TS-DOX was more effective in controlling tumor growth than other treatments. The high cellular internalization and the pH-triggered payload release of DOX lead to the increased accumulation of the drugs in the tumor area, along with the synergic combination with TS, culminating in greater antitumor efficacy. These data support LPNP-TS-DOX as a promising drug delivery system for breast cancer treatment.

Lipid-Based Nanoparticles as a Pivotal Delivery Approach in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Therapy

Triple-negative breast cancer is considered the most aggressive type of breast cancer among women and the lack of expressed receptors has made treatment options substantially limited. Recently, various types of nanoparticles have emerged as a therapeutic option against TNBC, to elevate the therapeutic efficacy of the existing chemotherapeutics. Among the various nanoparticles, lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) viz. liposomes, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid nanocarriers, and lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles are developed for cancer treatment which is well confirmed and documented. LNPs include various therapeutic advantages as compared to conventional therapy and other nanoparticles, including increased loading capacity, enhanced temporal and thermal stability, decreased therapeutic dose and associated toxicity, and limited drug resistance. In addition to these, LNPs overcome physiological barriers which provide increased accumulation of therapeutics at the target site. Extensive efforts by the scientific community could make some of the liposomal formulations the clinical reality; however, the relatively high cost, problems in scaling up the formulations, and delivery in a more targetable fashion are some of the major issues that need to be addressed. In the present review, we have compiled the state of the art about different types of LNPs with the latest advances reported for the treatment of TNBC in recent years, along with their clinical status and toxicity in detail.

Acute myocardial infarction therapy: in vitro and in vivo evaluation of atrial natriuretic peptide and triphenylphosphonium dual ligands modified, baicalin-loaded nanoparticulate system

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most common ischemic heart diseases. It is very essential to explore new types of cardioprotective drugs delivery systems in this area.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of baicalin (BA) and puerarin (PU) against acute MI rat models. BA and PU co-loaded nanoparticulate system were developed to improve bioavailability of the drugs, to prolong retention time in vivo and to enhance the protective effect.

Methods

In the present study, ANP and TPP contained ligands were synthesized. ANP/TPP-BN-LPNs were prepared and its physico-chemical properties were evaluated. The MI therapy efficiency of ANP/TPP-BN-LPNs was assessed in rats after intravenous injection. Single ligand contained LPNs, no ligand contained LPNs, and BN solution formulations were also prepared and used for the comparison.

Results

ANP/TPP-BN-LPNs were uniform and spheroidal particles. The size of ANP/TPP-BN-LPNs was 98.5 ± 2.9 nm, with a zeta potential of –19.5 ± 1.9 mV. The dual ligands modified LPNs exhibited significantly improved therapeutic efficiency compared with the single ligand modified LPNs and other systems. In vivo infarct therapy studies in rats proved that ANP/TPP-BN-LPNs were a promising system for efficient delivery of cardiovascular drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusions

ANP/TPP-BN-LPNs could be used as a long-circulating and heart-targeting drug delivery system.

Lipid-Polymer Hybrids Encapsulating Iron-Oxide Nanoparticles as a Label for Lateral Flow Immunoassays

The feasibility of using Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) encapsulated by lipid–polymer nanoparticles as labels in lateral flow immunoassays (LFIA) was studied. First, nanoparticles were synthesized with average diameters between 4 and 7 (nm) through precipitation in W/O microemulsion and further encapsulated using lipid–polymer nanoparticles. Systems formulated were characterized in terms of size and shape by DLS (Nanozetasizer from Malvern) and TEM. After encapsulation, the average size was around (≈20 and 50 nm). These controlled size agglomerates were tested as labels with a model system based on the biotin–neutravidin interaction. For this purpose, the encapsulated nanoparticles were conjugated to neutravidin using the carbodiimide chemistry, and the LFIA was carried out with a biotin test line. The encapsulated SPIONs showed that they could be promising candidates as labels in LFIA test. They would be useful for immunomagnetic separations, that could improve the limits of detection by means of preconcentration.

Regression of Melanoma Following Intravenous Injection of Plumbagin Entrapped in Transferrin-Conjugated, Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles

BACKGROUND

Plumbagin, a naphthoquinone extracted from the officinal leadwort presenting promising anti-cancer properties, has its therapeutic potential limited by its inability to reach tumors in a specific way at a therapeutic concentration following systemic injection. The purpose of this study is to assess whether a novel tumor-targeted, lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticle formulation of plumbagin would suppress the growth of B16-F10 melanoma in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Novel lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles entrapping plumbagin and conjugated with transferrin, whose receptors are present in abundance on many cancer cells, have been developed. Their cellular uptake, anti-proliferative and apoptosis efficacy were assessed on various cancer cell lines in vitro. Their therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in vivo after tail vein injection to mice bearing B16-F10 melanoma tumors.

RESULTS

The transferrin-bearing lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles loaded with plumbagin resulted in the disappearance of 40% of B16-F10 tumors and regression of 10% of the tumors following intravenous administration. They were well tolerated by the mice.

CONCLUSION

These therapeutic effects, therefore, make transferrin-bearing lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles entrapping plumbagin a highly promising anti-cancer nanomedicine.

Novel lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles incorporated in thermosensitive in situ gel for intranasal delivery of terbutaline sulphate

AIM

The present work aimed to improve the bioavailability of terbutaline sulphate (TS) and to prolong its nasal residence time for the treatment of asthma.

METHODS

Chitosan/pectin polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles (CS/PC) were prepared by ionic gelation method and coated with phospholipid (PL) and then incorporated into optimised thermosensitive in situ gel.

RESULTS

The optimal PL-coated nanoparticle formulation (LP1) showed the smallest particle size (345.5 nm), the highest zeta potential (32.9 mV) and the greatest percent drug released after 6 h (71%). The optimum in situ gel loaded with LP1 (NG3) showed three times greater permeation through nasal mucosa than aqueous solution of TS and revealed about 94% and 92% of the effect of IV injection of drug solution on tidal volume and peak expiratory flow in histamine treated rats, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The developed PL-coated CS/PC/in situ gel could be considered as a promising intranasal formulation of TS for asthma management.

Development of Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles for Improving Oral Absorption of Enoxaparin

Enoxaparin, an anticoagulant that helps prevent the formation of blood clots, is administered parenterally. Here, we report the development and evaluation of lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNs) for the oral delivery of enoxaparin. The polymer poloxamer 407 (P407) was incorporated into lipid nanoparticles to form gel cores and ensure high encapsulation efficiency and the controlled release of enoxaparin. In vitro results indicated that 30% of P407 incorporation offered higher encapsulation efficiency and sustained the release of enoxaparin. Laser confocal scanning microscopy (LCSM) images showed that LPHNs could not only significantly improve the accumulation of enoxaparin in intestinal villi but also facilitate enoxaparin transport into the underlayer of intestinal epithelial cells. In vivo pharmacokinetic study results indicated that the oral bioavailability of enoxaparin was markedly increased about 6.8-fold by LPHNs. In addition, its therapeutic efficacy against pulmonary thromboembolism was improved 2.99-fold by LPHNs. Moreover, LPHNs exhibited excellent biocompatibility in the intestine. Overall, the LPHN is a promising delivery carrier to boost the oral absorption of enoxaparin.

Combination Chemotherapy of Lung Cancer - Co-Delivery of Docetaxel Prodrug and Cisplatin Using Aptamer-Decorated Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles

Purpose

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Drug resistance is the major barrier for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this research is to develop an aptamer-decorated hybrid nanoparticle for the co-delivery of docetaxel prodrug (DTXp) and cisplatin (DDP) and to treat lung cancer.

Materials and Methods

Aptamer-conjugated lipid–polymer ligands and redox-sensitive docetaxel prodrug were synthesized. DTXp and DDP were loaded into the lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNs). The targeted efficiency of aptamer-decorated, DTXp and DDP co-encapsulated LPHNs (APT-DTXp/DDP-LPHNs) was determined by performing a cell uptake assay by flow cytometry-based analysis. In vivo biodistribution and anticancer efficiency of APT-DTXp/DDP-LPHNs were evaluated on NSCLC-bearing mice xenograft.

Results

APT-DTXp/DDP-LPHNs had a particle size of 213.5 ± 5.3 nm, with a zeta potential of 15.9 ± 1.9 mV. APT-DTXp/DDP-LPHNs exhibited a significantly enhanced cytotoxicity (drug concentration causing 50% inhibition was 0.71 ± 0.09 μg/mL), synergy antitumor effect (combination index was 0.62), and profound tumor inhibition ability (tumor inhibition ratio of 81.4%) compared with the non-aptamer-decorated LPHNs and single drug-loaded LPHNs.

Conclusion

Since the synergistic effect of the drugs was found in this system, it would have great potential to inhibit lung tumor cells and in vivo tumor growth.

A Review of the Structure, Preparation, and Application of NLCs, PNPs, and PLNs

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are modified solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) that retain the characteristics of the SLN, improve drug stability and loading capacity, and prevent drug leakage. Polymer nanoparticles (PNPs) are an important component of drug delivery. These nanoparticles can effectively direct drug delivery to specific targets and improve drug stability and controlled drug release. Lipid–polymer nanoparticles (PLNs), a new type of carrier that combines liposomes and polymers, have been employed in recent years. These nanoparticles possess the complementary advantages of PNPs and liposomes. A PLN is composed of a core–shell structure; the polymer core provides a stable structure, and the phospholipid shell offers good biocompatibility. As such, the two components increase the drug encapsulation efficiency rate, facilitate surface modification, and prevent leakage of water-soluble drugs. Hence, we have reviewed the current state of development for the NLCs’, PNPs’, and PLNs’ structures, preparation, and applications over the past five years, to provide the basis for further study on a controlled release drug delivery system.

Targeted nanomedicine for prostate cancer therapy: docetaxel and curcumin co-encapsulated lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for the enhanced anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo

OBJECTIVE

Docetaxel (DTX) remains the only effective drug for prolonging survival and improving quality of life of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. Combination anticancer therapy encapsulating DTX and another extract of traditional Chinese medicine is one nano-sized drug delivery system promising to generate synergistic anticancer effects, to maximize the treatment effect, and to overcome multi-drug resistance. The purpose of this study is to construct lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNs) as nanomedicine for co-encapsulation of DTX and curcumin (CUR).

METHODS

DTX and CUR co-encapsulated LPNs (DTX-CUR-LPNs) were constructed. DTX-CUR-LPNs were evaluated in terms of particles size, zeta potential, drug encapsulation, and drug delivery. The cytotoxicity of the LPNs was evaluated on PC-3 human prostate carcinoma cells (PC3 cells) by MTT assays. In vivo anti-tumor effects were observed on the PC3 tumor xenografts in mice.

RESULTS

The particle size of DTX-CUR-LPNs was 169.6 nm with a positive zeta potential of 35.7 mV. DTX-CUR-LPNs showed highest cytotoxicity and synergistic effect of two drugs in tumor cells in vitro. In mice-bearing PC-3 tumor xenografts, the DTX-CUR-LPNs inhibited tumor growth to a greater extent than other contrast groups, without inducing any obvious side effects.

CONCLUSION

According to these results, the novel nanomedicine offers great promise for the dual drugs delivery to the prostate cancer cells, showing the potential of synergistic combination therapy for prostate cancer.

Folate-modified lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for targeted paclitaxel delivery

The purpose of this study was to develop a novel lipid-polymer hybrid drug carrier comprised of folate (FA) modified lipid-shell and polymer-core nanoparticles (FLPNPs) for sustained, controlled, and targeted delivery of paclitaxel (PTX). The core-shell NPs consist of 1) a poly(ε-caprolactone) hydrophobic core based on self-assembly of poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL-PEG-PCL) amphiphilic copolymers, 2) a lipid monolayer formed with 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy (polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPE-PEG2000), 3) a targeting ligand (FA) on the surface, and were prepared using a thin-film hydration and ultrasonic dispersion method. Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis confirmed the coating of the lipid monolayer on the hydrophobic polymer core. Physicochemical characterizations of PTX-loaded FLPNPs, such as particle size and size distribution, zeta potential, morphology, drug loading content, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release, were also evaluated. Fluorescent microscopy proved the internalization efficiency and targeting ability of the folate conjugated on the lipid monolayer for the EMT6 cancer cells which overexpress folate receptor. In vitro cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that the cytotoxic effect of PTX-loaded FLPNPs was lower than that of Taxol(®), but higher than that of PTX-loaded LPNPs (without folate conjugation). In EMT6 breast tumor model, intratumoral administration of PTX-loaded FLPNPs showed similar antitumor efficacy but low toxicity compared to Taxol(®). More importantly, PTX-loaded FLPNPs showed greater tumor growth inhibition (65.78%) than the nontargeted PTX-loaded LPNPs (48.38%) (P<0.05). These findings indicated that the PTX loaded-FLPNPs with mixed lipid monolayer shell and biodegradable polymer core would be a promising nanosized drug formulation for tumor-targeted therapy.