Development of a Novel Nanoparticle-based Drug Delivery System for Targeted Cancer Therapy: In-vitro and in-vivo Evaluation

Abstract

Conventional cancer therapies are often limited by systemic toxicity, poor solubility of chemotherapeutic agents, and non-specific distribution, which compromise therapeutic efficacy. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems offer a promising strategy to overcome these challenges by enhancing drug stability, solubility, and targeted delivery to tumor tissues. This study reports the development and evaluation of a novel nanoparticle-based drug delivery system, designed for targeted cancer therapy. Nanoparticles were synthesized using a biodegradable polymer matrix via solvent evaporation and optimized for particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and sustained release profile. Surface functionalization was achieved through ligand conjugation to enhance tumor-specific targeting. In vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake were assessed using human cancer cell lines (HeLa, MCF-7, and A549). In vivo bio-distribution, tumor accumulation, therapeutic efficacy, and systemic toxicity were evaluated in a murine xenograft tumor model. The formulated nanoparticles exhibited a mean diameter of 120 nm, narrow polydispersity, and high drug encapsulation efficiency (>85%). In vitro studies demonstrated enhanced cellular uptake and significantly greater cytotoxicity compared to free drug. In vivo experiments confirmed preferential tumor accumulation due to active targeting and the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Treated mice showed marked tumor growth inhibition with minimal systemic toxicity compared to conventional drug administration. The novel nanoparticle system demonstrates significant potential as a targeted drug delivery platform for cancer therapy, offering improved efficacy and safety. Further clinical translation is warranted.