Enhanced internalization of lipid nanocapsules in human glioblastoma cells: Influence of the concentration of surface-functionalizing NFL peptide

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients have median survival of 14 months after current treatments. Therefore, more efficacious therapies are necessary. Lipid nanocapsules (LNC) functionalized with NFL.TBS-40.63 peptide (NFL) showed enhanced internalization in mouse GBM cells. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the surface-functionalizing FAM-NFL (fluoNFL) concentrations on LNC uptake in U87MG human GBM cells. A ferrocifen-type anticancer molecule (FcTriOH) was encapsulated in the nanocarriers and their in vitro efficacy on U87MG cells was evaluated. Finally, in vivo antitumor effect of the formulations were evaluated in ectopic U87MG tumor model in mice.