Multimodal iron oxide (Fe3O4)-saturated lactoferrin nanocapsules as nanotheranostics for real-time imaging and breast cancer therapy of claudin-low, triple-negative (ER-/PR-/HER2-)

Aim: To unravel the multimodal nanotheranostic ability of Fe3O4-saturated bovine lactoferrin nanocapsules (FebLfNCs) in claudin-low, triple-negative breast cancer model. Materials & methods: Xenograft study was performed to examine biocompatibility, antitumor efficacy and multimodal nanotheranostic action in combination with near-infrared live mice imaging. Results: FebLf NCs exhibited a size range of 80 nm +/- 5 nm with observed superparamagnetism. FebLf NCs successfully internalized into breast cancer cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis and induced apoptosis through the downregulation of inhibitor of apoptosis survivin and livin proteins. Investigations revealed a remarkable biocompatibility, anticancer efficacy of the FebLf NCs. Near-infrared imaging observations confirmed selective localization of multimodal FebLf NCs at the tumor site and lead to time-dependent reduction of tumor growth. Conclusion: FebLf NCs can be safe, biocompatible nanotheranostic approach for real-time imaging and monitoring the effect of drugs in real time and have potentials in future clinical trials.