Herceptin-functionalized SK-BR-3 cell membrane-wrapped paclitaxel nanocrystals for enhancing the targeted therapy effect of HER2-positive breast cancer

[Display omitted] •HER2-positive breast cancer-targeting drug delivery nanosystem was designed.•HER2-positive breast cancer-targeting drug delivery nanosystem showed sustained release behavior.•HER2-positive breast cancer-targeting drug delivery nanosystem exhibited remarkable dual targeting ability. The objective of this study was to prepare Herceptin-functionalized SK-BR-3 cell membrane-wrapped paclitaxel nanocrystals (HCNCs) as a targeted delivery module for HER2-positive breast cancer. According to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, HCNCs presented a membrane-coated cubic shape with a particle size of approximately 220 nm. In vitro release test suggested that HCNCs had a certain sustained release effect of paclitaxel (PTX). Cell uptake experiments, in vivo imaging, and tissue distribution experiments demonstrated that HCNCs had excellent targeting ability to homologous tumor cells (SK-BR-3). The results of MTT, flow cytometry, Western blot, cell immunofluorescence staining, and in vivo antitumor experiments proved that HCNCs had a more significant ability to promote HER2-positive breast cancer cell apoptosis and inhibit its proliferation. These results clearly concluded that HCNCs were a promising nano-targeted preparation in anti-HER2-positive breast cancer.