Hyaluronic Acid Capped, Irinotecan and Gene Co-Loaded Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanocarrier-Based Combination Therapy Platform for Colorectal Cancer

Background: The current approach for treating colorectal cancer favors the use of drug and gene combination therapy, and targeted nano-systems are gaining considerable attention for minimizing toxicity and improving the efficacy of anticancer treatment. The aim of this study was to develop ligand-modified, irinotecan and gene co-loaded lipid-polymer hybrid nanocarriers for targeted colorectal cancer combination therapy. Methods: Hyaluronic acid modified, irinotecan and gene co-loaded LPNs (HA-I/D-LPNs) were prepared using a solvent-evaporation method. Their average size, zeta potential, drug and gene loading capacity were characterized. The in vitro and in vivo gene transfection and anti-tumor ability of this nano-system were evaluated on colorectal cancer cells and mice bearing colorectal cancer model. Results: HA-I/D-LPNs had a size of 182.3 +/- 5.1, over 80% drug encapsulation efficiency and over 90% of gene loading capacity. The peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and half-life (T1/2) achieved from HA-I/D-LPNs were 41.31 +/- 1.58 mug/mL and 12.56 +/- 0.67 h. HA-I/D-LPNs achieved the highest tumor growth inhibition efficacy and the most prominent transfection efficiency in vivo. Conclusion: HA-I/D-LPNs exhibited the most remarkable tumor inhibition efficacy and best gene transfection efficiency in the tumor, which could prove the effects of the drug and gene combination therapy.