Paclitaxel-loaded dextran nanoparticles decorated with RVG29 peptide for targeted chemotherapy of glioma: an in vivo study

Gliomas are the most common malignant brain tumors and notorious due to the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In this study, an RVG peptide is used as a targeting ligand to construct multi-targeting micelles (RVG–Dex–PTX) towards the brain (passing the BBB) and brain glioma. In vivo imaging and fluorescence imaging were carried out. The results showed that Cy5-labeled M(RVG, PTX) can cross the BBB and reach the intracranial C6 glioma, prolonging the median mean survival time. Specifically, the elevated RVG29 could enhance the uptake of the micelles by C6 glioma cells and thus enhance the PTX efficacy. In conclusion, RVG29 is a promising targeting peptide for the BBB and intracranial tumors, and the M(RVG, PTX) micelles prepared from dextran, PTX, and RVG29 are a potential formulation for C6 glioma treatment.