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I-motif-coated exosomes as a pH-sensitive carrier for anticancer drugs

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Abstract

Nature-derived exosomes have been noted as emerging carriers for anticancer drugs. In this study, as a proof-of-concept, the anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) was loaded onto i-motif-modified exosomes (Exo-i-motif) to deliver Dox to cancer cells efficiently. The double-stranded biotin-i-motif/flare (ds-i-motif-bio)s efficiently released Dox in an acidic pH-responsive manner within 1 h. Based on gel electrophoresis, it was clearly confirmed that ds-i-motif-bio successfully interacts with biotin-conjugated exosomes and streptavidin (strep) via the biotin–streptavidin interaction. The particle sizes were below 150 nm without aggregation after strep-mediated modification of ds-i-motif-bio on the surfaces of the exosomes. In addition, released Dox had intact bioactivity for anti-proliferation after immobilization onto the exosomes. This study could serve as a new concept of pH-responsive delivery systems of anticancer drug using nature-derived exosomes with i-motifs.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by Konkuk University in 2018.

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Author notes

  1. Jun Yeong Kim and Jihyeon Song have contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea

    Jun Yeong Kim, Jihyeon Song, Heejung Jung & Hyejung Mok

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  1. Jun Yeong Kim
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  2. Jihyeon Song
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  3. Heejung Jung
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  4. Hyejung Mok
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Correspondence to Hyejung Mok.

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Kim, J.Y., Song, J., Jung, H. et al. I-motif-coated exosomes as a pH-sensitive carrier for anticancer drugs. Appl Biol Chem 61, 599–606 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13765-018-0394-0

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