Gene Delivery and Transfection in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells using Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Targeted Gelatin Nanoparticles

Type B gelatin-based engineered nanovectors system (GENS) was developed for systemic gene delivery in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The surface of thiolated gelatin nanoparticles was modified with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) specific peptide that targets on the EGFR receptor of Panc-1 cells and this system could release the payload under reducing environment, such as high intracellular glutathione concentrations. Plasmid DNA expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) or wild type p53 (wt-p53) were physically encapsulated in the nanoparticles formed by the solvent displacement process. With efficient and stable encapsulation, EGFR-targeted nanoparticles showed rapid internalization and payload release in Panc-1 cells within 30 minutes. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis of transgene expression showed that the EGFR-targeted nanoparticles had significantly greater efficiency and better therapeutic effect than all the other systems.