Effects of surface modification of AsO-loaded PLGA nanoparticles on its anti-liver cancer ability: An in vitro and in vivo study.

AsO-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) based on poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) were prepared by double emulsion-solvent evaporation method. Then Lactose acid (LA) and/or PEG were modified onto the NPs by chemical covalent coupling through -NH and -COOH. The FTIR results showed that LA and PEG could be successfully modified onto the surface of the NPs. All the AsO-loaded PLGA NPs (AsO@PLGA NPs) presented suitable physical stability, favorable size, and spherical shape. The in vitro release rate of AsO from the NPs depended on the surface of the NPs. As expected, the AsO@PLGA-PEG/LA NPs showed a moderate release rate, the highest anticancer effects and cellular internalization against SMMC-7721 cell line. The PLGA-PEG/LA NPs could represent an effective nano-size delivery system of AsO for treatment of liver cancer.