A novel
albumin polymer hybrid with a core-shell structure was designed to target delivery of
bufalin, which is an
antineoplastic monomer with serious
cardiotoxicity. The sheath layer was composed of
ursodeoxycholic acid (UA)-modified
bovine serum albumin (UA-BSA), while the stable core consisted of poly
n-butyl cyanoacrylate (PBCA) nanoparticles. The UA-BSA was synthetized, and the substitution degree was characterized. The physical properties of
bufalin-loaded UA-modified
protein-PBCA nanocomplexes (BF-uPPNCs), such as morphology, particle size, and encapsulation efficiency, were evaluated. FTIR and DSC revealed the
bufalin to be in an amorphous state. Furthermore, the in vitro release study indicated a sustained release profile of BF-uPPNCs. The MTT and cellular uptake study demonstrated that BF-uPPNCs significantly improved the inhibitory effect of the
bufalin accompanied with an enhanced cell uptake capacity on HepG2 cells. In addition, in vivo research demonstrated that BF-uPPNCs had a better antitumor effect coupled with improved
therapeutic effect, and reduced
hemolysis, vascular irritation, and
cardiotoxicity. This work therefore presented a novel
albumin polymer hybrid with favorable stability, efficient
tumor-targeted delivery potential, and side effect reduction ability, which can be a potential vehicle for an anticancer drug.