Featured Publication 5:

Dual Functions of Riboflavin-functionalized Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Nanoparticles for Enhanced Drug Delivery Efficiency and Photodynamic Therapy in Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells

Journal: Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2021

Key Finding:  This pioneering work introduced a “dual-function” smart nanoparticle by functionalizing its surface with a riboflavin (Vitamin B2) analogue. This unique design allowed the nanoparticle to act as both a targeted delivery vehicle and a therapeutic agent against aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Key findings include:

• Precision Targeting: The riboflavin acted as a targeting ligand, resulting in a six-fold higher uptake of our nanoparticles into breast cancer cells compared to normal breast cells, demonstrating a highly effective targeting mechanism.
• Combination Therapy Efficacy: When loaded with the drug doxorubicin and activated by UV light, the nanoparticles’ built-in photosensitizing properties from riboflavin worked in concert with the drug to significantly enhance cancer cell killing.

Business Implication: This study is the foundation of our “Smart Delivery” platform. It proves our ability to engineer nanoparticles with

active targeting ligands for enhanced delivery to specific cell types. More importantly, it validates our expertise in creating multi-functional therapeutic systems that can combine traditional chemotherapy with advanced modalities like Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). This capability is critical for pharmaceutical partners developing next-generation, high-efficacy cancer treatments designed to maximize impact on the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.

Full article please check https://doi.org/10.1111/php.13464