Transferrin-decorated protein-lipid hybrid nanoparticle efficiently delivers cisplatin and docetaxel for targeted lung cancer treatment

Purpose: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapy faces the barriers including drug resistance. A transferrin-functionalized protein-lipid hybrid nanoparticle (PLHN) was designed loading both cisplatin (CIS) and docetaxel (DTX) for the lung cancer treatment. Methods: CIS and DTX were loaded into the hybrid nanoparticle and then decorated with transferrin (Tf). The Tf-functionalized protein-lipid hybrid nanoparticle (Tf-CIS/DTX-PLHN) was investigated by determining the release behavior, cytotoxicity in vitro, and anticancer efficiency in vivo. Results: Tf-CIS/DTX-PLHN showed a nano-size of 189.5 ± 5.9 nm, and a surface tested to be −16.9 ± 2.1 mV. Tf-CIS/DTX-PLHN exhibited obviously better antitumor ability in vitro and in vivo compared with the non Tf contained CIS and DTX co-loaded lipid nanoparticles (CIS/DTX-LN), single drug loaded nanoparticles, and free drugs. Conclusion: Since remarkable enhanced efficiency of Tf and synergistic effect of the drugs, it could inhibit the lung tumor growth and help with the lung cancer treatment.