Conclusions
In this study, conjugated copolymers of NPAB/siRNA/PTX were successfully
synthesized for targeted gene delivery to breast cancer cells. Their
chemical structure was confirmed through NMR and FTIR analysis and
magnetic properties determination. The results obtained from TEM and DLS
revealed that the nanoparticles have spherical morphology, with the
hydrodynamic diameter in the range between 100-150 nm, which is suitable
for intravenous injection and in vivo applications. Invitro drug
release showed a sustained release manner of PTX and siRNA, however the
cumulative release of PTX is more than siRNA. The cytotoxicity assay
demonstrated no significant toxicity of unloaded nanoparticles on MCF-7
cells, however PTX/siRNA loaded nanoparticles caused significant
toxicity. In addition, the ability NPAB to improve the transfection
efficiency was confirmed through increased uptake of siRNA-FAM in MCF-7
cells via fluorescence microscopy imaging.