Developing membrane-derived nanocarriers for ex vivo therapy of homologous breast cancer cells.

Aim: The primary aim of this study was to develop biomimetic nanocarriers for specific homologous targeting of the anticancer drugs ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) and doxorubicin. Methods: Membranous nanovesicles were synthesized from a breast cancer cell line (MCF7) by syringe extrusion process and were loaded with PDTC and doxorubicin. Besides their abilities for self-homing, the drug-loaded nanovesicles showed anti-cell proliferative effects via the generation of reactive oxygen species. Results: The nanovesicles demonstrated efficient internalization via homologous targeting. Delivery of PDTC showed a higher killing effect for homologous cell targeting than other cell types. Experimental results demonstrated increased antiproliferative potency of PDTC, which induced apoptosis via reactive oxygen species generation. Conclusion: The developed membrane-derived nanocarrier is an attractive biocompatible system for ex vivo targeted drug delivery.