title: Low density lipoprotein bionanoparticles: From cholesterol transport to delivery of anti-cancer drugs.
abstract: In this review article, we highlight the importance of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and its implications in the field of drug delivery to cancer cells. LDL is naturally occurring bionanoparticles (BNP) with a size of 18-25 nm. These BNPs specifically transport cholesterol to cells expressing the LDL receptors (LDLRs). Several tumors overexpress LDLRs, presumably to provide cholesterol for sustaining a high rate of membrane synthesis. LDL BNPs are biocompatible and biodegradable, favorably bind hydrophobic and amphiphilic drugs, are taken up by a receptor-mediated mechanism, have a half-life of 2-4 days, and can be rerouted. Drugs can be loaded onto LDL BNPs by surface loading, core loading, and apoprotein interaction. LDL may be used as a drug carrier for treatment of atherosclerosis, cancer, and in photodynamic therapies.
authors.affiliation: Kayyali Chair for Pharmaceutical Industry, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia ; Department of Biochemistry, College of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University (Boys), Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
authors.forename: Gamaleldin I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Harisa
authors.affiliation: Kayyali Chair for Pharmaceutical Industry, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Fars K
authors.initials: FK
authors.lastname: Alanazi
keywords: Biological nanoparticles; Cancer; Drug delivery; LDL; LDL receptor; Nanoparticles