Multi-functional heparin–biotin/heparin/calcium carbonate/calcium phosphate nanoparticles for targeted co-delivery of gene and drug

A facile strategy for the fabrication of multi-functional polymer/inorganic hybrid nanoparticles for efficient gene and drug co-delivery was developed. A therapeutic gene (p53 plasmid) and a chemotherapy drug (doxorubicin hydrochloride, DOX) were co-loaded simultaneously in hybrid nanoparticles during co-precipitation with high encapsulation efficiency. The prepared heparin–biotin/heparin/CaCO 3 /calcium phosphate/DNA/DOX (HPB/HP/CaCO 3 /CaP/DNA/DOX) nanoparticles exhibited pH sensitivity and tumor-targeting property due to the presence of the CaCO 3 /CaP inorganic component and biotin moiety in the polymer chain, respectively. For comparison, HPB/HP/CaCO 3 /CaP/DOX hybrid nanoparticles for drug delivery were also fabricated. The cell inhibition effects of different nanoparticles on HeLa cells were evaluated using methylthiazole tetrazolium assay. In vitro study indicated that the gene and drug co-delivery system (HPB/HP/CaCO 3 /CaP/DNA/DOX) showed a stronger cell growth inhibition effect as compared with the drug delivery system (HPB/HP/CaCO 3 /CaP/DOX), indicating that HPB/HP/CaCO 3 /CaP/DNA/DOX hybrid nanoparticles could effectively mediate gene transfection and deliver the drug. The hybrid nanoparticles with good biocompatibility have great promise for gene and drug co-delivery. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry