Catechin-functionalized Cationic Lipopolymer Based Multicomponent Nanomicelles for Lung-Targeting Delivery.

Catechins from green tea are one of the most effective natural compounds for cancer chemoprevention and have attracted extensive research. Cancer cell-selective apoptosis-inducing properties of catechins depend on efficient intracellular delivery. However, the low bioavailability limits the application of catechins. Herein, a nano-scaled micellar composite composed of catechin-functionalized cationic lipopolymer and serum albumin was constructed. Cationic liposomes tended to accumulate in the pulmonary microvasculature due to electrostatic effects and were able to deliver the micellar system intracellularly, thus improving the bioavailability of catechins. Albumin in the system acted as a biocompatible anti-plasma absorbent, forming complexes with positively charged lipopolymer (Pc) under electrostatic interactions, contributing to prolonged in vivo retention. The physicochemical properties of the nano-micellar complexes were characterized, and the antitumor properties of catechin-functionalized materials were confirmed by ROS, caspase-3, and cell apoptosis measurements. The role of each functional module, cationic polymeric liposome and albumin, was revealed by cell penetration, in vivo animal assays, etc. This multicomponent micellar nanocomposite has the potential to become an effective vehicle for the treatment of lung diseases such as pneumonia, lung tumors, sepsis-induced lung injury, etc. This study also demonstrated that it is a great strategy to create a delivery system that is both tissue-targeted and biologically active by combing cationic liposomes with the native bioactive compound catechins. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.