Cubosomes and Hexosomes in Theranostic Nanomedicine

Application of nanotechnology to medicine offers a versatile approach for the design and the development of new multi-functional drug delivery systems where imaging probes, drugs, and targeting agents can be combined and applied as therapeutic/diagnostic (theranostic) tools. Furthermore, this application requires the development of biocompatible and non-toxic systems with tunable properties. In this context, lipid-based nanoparticles seem to be flexible platforms, since they can be personalized depending on their application.

Here, two types of nanoparticles based on a biocompatible lipid (monoolein), respectively known as cubosomes and hexosomes, are proposed as theranostic platforms for cancer treatment. Both these nanoparticles show high mechanical rigidity and structural stability and, because of their intrinsic nanostructure, can be loaded with hydrophobic or hydrophilic cargos. It will be shown that cubosomes and hexosomes can effectively be loaded with anticancer drugs, UV-visible or NIR emitting fluorophores, while simultaneously conjugated with cancer cells-targeting ligands. Their living cells imaging skills and addressing abilities toward HeLa cells will be also presented.