Microfluidic-assisted synthesis of integrin-targeting cRGD liposomes as a scalable strategy for theranostic applications in triple-negative breast cancer

Abstract

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents one of the most aggressive types of cancer, with a difficult treatment leading to poor prognosis of the disease. Herein we report the synthesis of a custom-made cyclic RGD peptide (cRGD), and its use in decorating liposomes for targeted drug delivery of doxorubicin to TNBC cells overexpressing integrin receptor α_vβ₃. Liposomes carrying dibenzocyclooctine groups on their surface were produced using an optimized large scale microfluidic-assisted approach and subsequently conjugated with cRGD bearing an acyl azide group by means of a click chemistry reaction. This functionalization promotes enhanced cellular uptake via integrin-mediated endocytosis. In vitro assessments confirm enhanced selectivity and cytotoxicity of cRGD-liposomes against triple-negative cancer cells, in addition to dual imaging capabilities by fluorescence and magnetic resonance techniques due to the incorporation of a fluorescent dye and gadolinium complex, respectively. These features support the potential of cRGD-liposomes as a promising platform for targeted drug delivery to specific cancer cell populations, establishing them as viable theranostic agents for precision medicine applications.