Polymeric glabrescione B nanocapsules for passive targeting of Hedgehog-dependent tumor therapy in vitro

Aim: With the purpose of delivering high doses of glabrescione B (GlaB) to solid tumors after systemic administration, long-circulating GlaB-loaded oil-cored polymeric nanocapsules (NC-GlaB) were formulated. Materials & methods: Synthesis of GlaB and its encapsulation in nanocapsules (NCs) was performed. Empty and GlaB- loaded NCs were assessed for their physico-chemical properties, in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo biodistribution. Results: GlaB was ef ciently loaded into NCs (~90%), which were small (~160 nm), homogeneous and stable upon storage. Further, GlaB and NC-GlaB demonstrated speci c activities against the cancer stem cells. Preliminary studies in tumor-bearing mice supported the ability of NC to accumulate in pancreatic tumors. Conclusion: This study provides early evidence that NC-GlaB has the potential to be utilized in a preclinical setting and justi es the need to perform therapeutic experiments in mice