Growth-inhibitory effects of anthracycline-loaded bacterial magnetosomes against hepatic cancer in vitro and in vivo .

This study aimed to develop anthracycline-loaded bacterial magnetosomes (BMs) with enhanced anticancer efficiency and elucidate their endocytosis mechanism. Methods: Drug-loaded BMs (DBMs) were successfully prepared and characterized. DBMs endocytosis was investigated within HepG2 cells. The anticancer effect of DBMs was studied both in vitro and in vivo. Results: Doxorubicin-BMs and daunorubicin-BMs showed enhanced growth inhibitory effect in vitro and in vivo with no notable toxicity to normal tissues. The DBMs were internalized into cells through caveolae-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis. The loaded drugs were released from DBMs in cytoplasm and entered the nucleus to exert their activity. Conclusion: Our findings offer promising candidates for improved cancer therapy with a clear mechanism of DBMs endocytosis and working principle.