Engineering biocompatible hydrogen titanate nanocarriers with blood brain barrier (BBB) crossing potential for doxorubicin delivery to glioma cells

Abstract

H₂Ti₃O₇ nanotubes are investigated as promising biocompatible and effective drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. These nanotubes demonstrated high drug encapsulation efficiency of up to 67% for the doxorubicin (Dox) chemotherapeutic agent, translating into a significant drug loading capacity of about 33%. In vitro studies demonstrated the successful BBB permeabilizing ability of these nanotubes. The Dox-loaded nanotubes further demonstrated their concentration-dependent cancer cell-killing ability, indicating their adeptness to induce cytotoxicity, DNA degradation and inhibit tumor growth. In addition, assays revealed their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly hydroxyl radicals, which enhanced the anticancer mechanisms of the Dox-loaded nanotubes. These findings underscore the multifunctionality of H₂Ti₃O₇ nanotubes in efficiently delivering chemotherapeutic drugs and generating ROS, making them a promising nanomedicine for targeted cancer therapy. Further detailed in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to fully understand their anticancer potential and safety profile.