Preparation of Dual-Drug-Loaded Liver-Targeted Liposomes Co-Modified with SP94 Peptide and TAT Peptide

INTRODUCTION: The toxicity of nontargeted chemotherapy hinders liver cancer treatment. This study developed dual-peptide (SP94/TAT) co-modified liposomes (SP94/TAT-DOX/DTX-LPs) for enhanced targeting and efficacy. METHODS: Liposomes encapsulating docetaxel (DTX) and doxorubicin (DOX) were prepared via film dispersion/ammonium sulfate gradient using DSPE-PEG, lecithin, and cholesterol. SP94 (targeting) and TAT (penetrating) peptides were conjugated via organic phase reaction/insertion. Their physicochemical properties, encapsulation efficiency, stability, drug release, and in vitro antitumor activity were evaluated. RESULTS: Optimized SP94/TAT-DOX/DTX-LPs were spherical (119.6 ± 4.1 nm; PDI 0.161 ± 0.006; zeta -9.84 ± 1.54 mV), and their encapsulation efficiency was high (DOX: 92.97 ± 1.73%; DTX: 80.33 ± 0.96%). Stability was confirmed at 4 °C for 30 days (PDI < 0.2, size change < 10%) and in 50% fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 24 hours (transmittance > 90%). Sustained release showed 68.2 ± 3.5% (DTX) and 74.8 ± 2.9% (DOX) cumulative release at 48h (PBS pH 7.4). In vitro, SP94/TATDOX- LPs showed 2.3-fold higher HepG2 cellular uptake versus single-modified liposomes (p