siRNA-guided dual-targeting nanocarrier for breast cancer treatment

This study aimed to develop a thermoplastic polyurethane-oleic acid-based nanosystem (TPU-Ole NPs) incorporating siRNA and curcumin (CUR) to overcome multidrug resistance in breast cancer by silencing the c-myc gene. Methods: TPU-Ole and CUR-loaded NPs were prepared via solvent evaporation and coated with poly-L-lysine (PLL) for siRNA attachment. NPs were characterised by dynamic light scattering (DLS) for mean diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP). Encapsulation (EE) and loading efficiencies (LE) were measured by NanoDrop. Release (pH 5.0; 7.4) and storage stability (pH 7.4) were evaluated using the eppendorf method. siRNA binding was confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Gene silencing and apoptosis were assessed by RT-PCR and flow cytometry. Results: Mean diameter, PDI, and ZP of NPs were 170 ± 2 nm, 0.011 ± 0.080, and −27.5 ± 0.11 mV. EE and LE were 75 ± 0.12 and 14.2 ± 0.06%. Sustained release and good stability were observed. Conclusion: siRNA-CUR-NPs efficiently silenced c-myc and induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells.