PLGA nanoparticles with CD133 aptamers for targeted delivery and sustained release of propranolol to hemangioma

Aim: To develop propranolol-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticle with CD133 aptamers (PPN-CD133) to treat infantile hemangioma. Materials & methods: The antihemangioma activity and mechanism of PPN-CD133 were evaluated. Results & conclusion: PPN-CD133 are of desired size (143.7 nm), drug encapsulation efficiency (51.8%) and sustained drug release for 8 days. PPN-CD133 could effectively bind to CD133(+) hemangioma stem cells, resulting in enhanced cytotoxic effect and reduced expression of angiogenesis factors in hemangioma stem cells. The therapeutic effect of PPN-CD133 in hemangioma was superior to that of untargeted PPN and propranolol in vivo, as reflected by reduced hemangioma volume, weight and microvessel density. PPN-CD133 represents a very promising approach to locally and efficiently deliver propranolol leading to significant inhibition of infantile hemangioma.