Targeted delivery of galbanic acid to colon cancer cells by PLGA nanoparticles incorporated into human mesenchymal stem cells

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of mesenchyme stem cells (MSCs) derived from human adipose tissue (hMSCs) as carriers for delivery of galbanic acid (GBA), a potential anticancer agent, loaded into poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (nano-engineered hMSCs) against tumor cells. Materials and Methods: GBA-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (PLGA/GBA) were prepared by single emulsion method and their physicochemical properties were evaluated. Then, PLGA/GBA nanoparticles were incorporated into hMSCs (hMSC/PLGA-GBA) and their migration ability and cytotoxicity against colon cancer cells were investigated. Results: The loading efficiency of PLGA/GBA nanoparticles with average size of 214±30.5 nm into hMSCs, was about 85 and 92% at GBA concentration of 20 and 40 μM, respectively. Nano-engineered hMSCs showed significant higher migration to cancer cells (C26) compared to normal cells (NIH/3T3). Furthermore, nano-engineered hMSCs could effectively induce cell death in C26 cells in comparison with non-engineered hMSCs. Conclusion: hMSCs could be implemented for efficient loading of PLGA/GBA nanoparticles to produce a targeted cellular carrier against cancer cells. Thus, according to minimal toxicity on normal cells, it deserves to be considered as a valuable platform for drug delivery in cancer therapy.