Formulation and <i>In Vitro</i> Evaluation of Upconversion Nanoparticle-Loaded Liposomes for Brain Cancer

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> This work focused on the development of transferrin-conjugated theranostic liposomes consisting of docetaxel (DXL) and upconversion nanoparticles for the diagnosis and treatment of gliomas. <b>Materials & methods:</b> Upconversion nanoparticles and docetaxel-loaded theranostic liposomes were prepared by a solvent injection method. Formulations were analyzed for physicochemical properties, encapsulation efficiency, drug release, elemental analysis, cytotoxicity and fluorescence. <b>Results:</b> The particle size was around 200 nm with spherical morphology and an encapsulation efficiency of up to 75.93%, was achieved for liposomes with an <i>in vitro</i> drug release of 71.10%. The IC₅₀ values demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity on C6 glioma cells with targeted liposomes in comparison with nontargeted liposomes. <b>Conclusion:</b> Prepared theranostic liposomes may be promising for clinical validation after an <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> evaluation on cell lines and animals, respectively.