Enhancing Glioma Treatment by Using Novel Cryptotanshinone-Loaded Nano-Liposomes

Despite the efficacy of cryptotanshinone (CPT) against glioma, it has issues such as poor solubility and limited tumor penetration. To address these challenges, the development of a nano drug delivery system with high penetration and precise targeting is crucial. In this study, we utilized the emulsification-evaporation technique to create tLyp-1 modified liposomes that contain CPT. The tLyp-1 peptide, which is a membrane-penetrating agent, allows for precise targeting of brain glioma and drug release. We characterized the TLCP using particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), intracellular fluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy and found that it had a mean particle size of (169.1±22.0) nm and a PDI of 0.34±0.093. High performance liquid chromatography was used to quantify the encapsulation efficiency (74.33±8.9%). Our results showed that tLipo, the targeting liposome modified with tLyp-1, was taken up more by GL261 cells than regular liposomes. The intracellular fluorescence intensity of the tLipo group also increased. Fluorescence was observed in the mouse brain 0.5 h after tail vein injection of DiR-labeled tLipo, confirming its ability to penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The fluorescence was still present in the brain 24 h later. Our results further confirmed the BBB-penetration and anti-glioma efficacy of the nanodrug in reducing glioma cell growth.