ZIF-8/doxorubicin nanoparticles camouflaged with <i>Cucurbita</i>-derived exosomes for targeted prostate cancer therapy
Adeleh Saffar, Ahmad Reza Bahrami, Amir Sh. Saljooghi, Maryam Moghaddam Matin
Abstract
exosomes decreased cell viability and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in PC-3 cells without affecting the normal cells. The biomimetic CEXO@ZIF-8/DOX improved immune escaping ability and hemocompatibility. The targeted nanocarrier, with augmented uptake and cellular toxicity in EpCAM-positive PC-3 cells, indicated active targeting efficacy mediated by the EpCAM aptamer. These results were supported by animal experiments that implied the effectiveness of Apt-CEXO@ZIF-8/DOX in inhibiting tumor growth without adverse side effects. This study introduces a novel functional nanocarrier that could potentially revolutionize DDSs by utilizing safer and more biocompatible plant exosomes.