Targeted treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with aptamer-guided solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with norcantharidin

Liver cancer is a common malignancy in the world, and its incidence and mortality rate are increasing year by year. The disease has a short course and a high mortality rate, posing a serious threat to humanity and health. The objective of this study is to create novel liver-targeted nanoparticles as a potential treatment for liver cancer. The aptamer (APS613-1) modified redox-sensitive norcantharidin solid lipid nanoparticles (Apt-PEG₂₀₀₀-ss-NCTD-SLNs) were prepared by emulsified ultrasonic dispersion method and characterized. The tumor targeting, antitumor effect and safety of the nanoparticles were investigated and evaluated <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i>. The particle size of Apt-PEG₂₀₀₀-ss-NCTD-SLNs was 87.95 ± 3.32 nm, and the encapsulation efficiency was about 80.74 ± 2.36%, which had good biocompatibility. The results of <i>in vitro</i> experiments showed that, compared with unmodified solid lipid nanoparticles (NCTD-SLNs), Apt-PEG_2000-ss-NCTD-SLNs had better targeting for liver tumor cells, and a stronger ability to inhibit cell proliferation and migration, as well as promote cell apoptosis. The <i>in vivo</i> results revealed that Apt-PEG₂₀₀₀-ss-NCTD-SLNs demonstrated good safety and anti-tumor efficacy, and its mechanism was achieved through the inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. The functionalized nanoparticles modified by aptamer APS613-1 can be used for the liver-targeted delivery of antitumor drugs for the treatment of liver cancer, and Apt-PEG₂₀₀₀-ss-NCTD-SLN is a potential drug for the treatment of liver cancer.