Abstract: The aim of this study is to develop a novel RGD and TAT co-modified docetaxel (DTX)-loaded liposome (LP) by the emulsification-solvent evaporation method. The prepared LPs were found to be in the size of 100 nm–110 nm. The transmission electron microscope photomicrographs were smooth, sub-spherical in shape, and aggregated to form small clusters. The DTX cumulative release from TAT and RGD co-modified LPs was significantly higher than that from other LPs due to decreased diffusion distance. Results of cell uptake showed that surface modification could indicate when cell internalization was changed and more drugs entered the cells successfully. Surprisingly, TAT and RGD co-modified DTX-LPs demonstrated a superior antiproliferative effect on A549 cells with a possible mechanism that suppressed the multidrug resistance phenomenon and exhibited a clear synergistic effect. In antitumor study, our results indicated that the form of TAT and RGD co-modified LPs had a better antitumor effect in vivo than the other formulations.
Keywords: RGD, TAT, liposome, cell uptake, cytotoxicity, antitumor