A Nanovector Assembled from Natural Egg Yolk Lipids for Tumor-Targeted Delivery of Therapeutics

Nanomedicine uses nanotechnology-based strategies for precision tumor therapy, including passive and ligand-mediated active tumor targeting by nanocarriers. However, the possible biotoxicity of chemosynthetic nanovectors limits their clinical applications. A novel natural egg yolk lipid nanovector (EYLNs) was developed for effective loading and delivery of therapeutic agents. Lipids were extracted from egg yolks and reassembled into nano-sized particles. EYLNs stability, cellular uptake, toxicity, and delivery capacity for therapeutic agents were evaluated in vitro. Systemic toxicity and biodistribution of EYLNs were analyzed in normal mice, and the therapeutic effects of doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded EYLNs were evaluated in mouse breast cancer and hepatoma models. EYLNs had a particle size of ~40 nm and a surface zeta potential of −45 mV and were effectively internalized by tumor cells, without showing toxicity and side effects in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, their excellent permeability and retention effe...