Aptamer Functionalization of Nanosystems for Glioblastoma Targeting through the Blood–Brain Barrier

Abstract

Polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) may efficiently deliver in vivo therapeutics to tumors when conjugated to specific targeting agents. Gint4.T aptamer specifically recognizes platelet-derived growth factor receptor β and can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). We synthesized Gint4.T-conjugated PNPs able of high uptake into U87MG glioblastoma (GBM) cells and with astonishing EC 50 value (38 pM) when loaded with a PI3K-mTOR inhibitor. We also demonstrated in vivo BBB passage and tumor accumulation in a GBM orthotopic model.