Hollow Mesoporous Selenium Nanoparticles Loaded with Pyrotinib and Coated with Trastuzumab-Functionalized Albumin for Targeted Therapy of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

This study aimed to develop trastuzumab (HCT)-functionalized albumin (BSA)-coated, pyrotinib (Ptb)-loaded hollow mesoporous selenium (HSE) nanoparticles (HBHSEP) for the targeted delivery of HER2-positive breast cancer. Characterization of the pharmaceutical properties in vitro revealed that HBHSEP was well dispersed, and the particle size was 172 ± 3.4 nm. In vitro release experiments revealed that HBHSEP effectively controlled the release of Ptb in the tumor microenvironment (high glutathione concentration), with a cumulative release rate of 86.5 ± 4.2% over 48 h. Cell uptake experiments and in vivo imaging confirmed that HBHSEP have good tumor-targeting ability. The results of in vitro cell experiments, such as MTT, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, and in vivo antitumor experiments, confirmed that HBHSEP can significantly promote the apoptosis of SK-BR-3 cells and inhibit their proliferation. These findings strongly show that HBHSEP may be an effective targeted treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer.