cRGD-Peptide Modified Covalent Organic Frameworks for Precision Chemotherapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Farah Benyettou, Mostafa Khair, Thirumurugan Prakasam, Sabu Varghese, Zineb Matouk, Maryam Alkaabi, Pilar Pena-Sánchez, Maylis Boitet, Rasha AbdulHalim, Sudhir Kumar Sharma, Rose Ghemrawi, Sneha Thomas, Jamie Whelan, Renu Pasricha, Ramesh Jagannathan, Felipe Gándara, Ali Trabolsi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study presents the use of nanoscale covalent organic frameworks (nCOFs) conjugated with tumor-targeting peptides for the targeted therapy of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). While peptides have previously been used for targeted delivery, their conjugation with COFs represents an innovative approach in this field. In particular, we have developed alkyne-functionalized nCOFs chemically modified with cyclic RGD peptides (Alkyn-nCOF-cRGD). This configuration is designed to specifically target αvβ3 integrins that are overexpressed in TNBC cells. These nCOFs exhibit excellent biocompatibility and are engineered to selectively disintegrate under acidic conditions, allowing for precise and localized drug release in tumor environment. Doxorubicin, a chemotherapeutic agent, has been encapsulated in these nCOFs with high loading efficiency. The therapeutic potential of Alkyn-nCOF-cRGD has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo models. It shows significantly improved drug uptake and targeted cell death in TNBC, highlighting the efficacy of receptor-mediated endocytosis and pH-controlled drug release. This strategy leverages the unique properties of nCOFs with targeted drug delivery to achieve significant advances in personalized cancer therapy and set a new standard for precision chemotherapeutic delivery.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)56676-56695
Number of pages20
JournalACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
Volume16
Issue number42
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 23 2024

Keywords

  • covalent organic frameworks (COFs)
  • integrin-targeting RGD peptides
  • pH-responsive nanoparticles
  • targeted drug delivery
  • triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science

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