Ultrasound-Responsive Lipid Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy and Controlled Drug Release in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

Multifunctional drug delivery systems offer tremendous potential for improving antitumor efficacy, precise drug targeting, and controlled drug release in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, the study develops a novel tumor-targeting ultrasound-responsive lipid nanoparticle (TUSL) platform capable of responding to external stimulation, enabling precise drug delivery with controlled release at the tumor site while minimizing systemic exposure and side effects. The TUSL platform is designed to carry doxorubicin (DOX) and tetrandrine (TET), specifically for drug-resistant NSCLC. The developed TUSL exhibits a nano sized spherical structure with a hydrodynamic size of 141.8 nm, accommodating anti-cancer drugs with loading capacities of 3.8% and 6.2% for TET and DOX, respectively. TUSL is engineered to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) while demonstrating an ultrasound-triggered drug release profile. Through the generation of CO₂ bubbles upon ultrasound stimulation, the TUSL enhances DOX and TET internalization into tumor cells. In tumor-bearing mice, TUSL administration demonstrates a superior tumor accumulation with minimal off-target toxicity. The combined treatment with DOX and TET within TUSL exhibits synergistic effects, effectively inhibiting the growth of drug-resistant NSCLC tumors. These findings highlight the efficacy of the EGFR-targeted TUSL formulation in overcoming drug resistance and enhancing therapeutic outcomes in NSCLC.