Extracted Data Points

  • Scientists from Pune's Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) developed an innovative biodegradable nanocarrier platform for targeted gene therapy in breast cancer
  • ARI is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India
  • Research published in Advanced Healthcare Materials journal
  • The system uses biodegradable mesoporous silica nanoparticles with high loading capacity and tunable surface chemistry
  • Nanocarrier functionalized with protamine biopolymer and MUC1-specific aptamer for precise tumor targeting
  • Targets MUC1 receptors overexpressed on breast cancer cells
  • Uses dual gene-silencing approach delivering siRNAs against two critical anti-apoptotic genes: MCL-1 and Survivin
  • Features glutathione-responsive design that triggers controlled release of therapeutic payload in tumor microenvironment
  • Biological evaluations conducted in MCF-7 breast cancer models
  • In vivo studies performed in Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) mice
  • Results showed robust gene knockdown, increased apoptosis, and substantial tumor growth inhibition
  • Nanocarrier effectively accumulates at tumor sites with minimal systemic toxicity
  • Favorable histological outcomes observed
  • Research conducted by Nanobioscience Group at Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, India
  • Publication available at: https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adhm.202505296?af=R