Construction of Shikonin-Loaded Mammaglobin-Modified Liposomes for Breast Cancer Targeted Therapy

Objective: In this study, we investigated the antitumor advantages of human mammaglobin (MGB) antibody-modified shikonin (SK)-loaded liposomes (MGB-SK-LPs) in the treatment of breast cancer. Methods: MGB-SK-LPs were prepared via the solvent evaporation method, and their encapsulation rate, drug-loading capacity and in vitro release performance were determined after characterization and analysis. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) was used as a probe to investigate the cell uptake behavior. The MTT method was used to investigate the cytotoxicity and proliferation behavior, whereas flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of MGB-SK-LPs on tumor cell apoptosis. The antitumor activity of the xenograft tumor model in nude mice was also evaluated. Results: MGB-SK-LPs had a particle size of [Formula: see text] nm and a zeta potential of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mV. The encapsulation rate of SK and the drug-loading capacity of MGB-liposomes to SK were [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. The MGB-SK-LPs had a sustained-release function with spherical morphology. MGB-SK-LPs, which had low cytotoxicity, can be ingested by breast cancer cells and inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis. In vivo antitumor activity of SK was significantly enhanced by liposome encapsulation and MGB-targeted modification. Conclusions: MGB-SK-LPs prepared in this study can specifically target breast cancer cells, effectively concentrate drugs on the surface of the tumor cells, and release them slowly. Moreover, they can significantly enhance the antitumor therapeutic effect of SK in vivo, providing a promising solution for targeted treatment of breast cancer.