Study of Cell Binding and Internalization of Immunoliposomes on Human Cancer Ovarian Cells(SKOV 3 ) By Sumaiya Tasneem

Introduction Many people say that they are going to find the cure for cancer, however no cure for cancer has been discovered yet. Nevertheless, numerous number of scientists and researchers are working rigorously at it in order to find an instant treatment. Ranging from chemotherapy and radiotherapy to individual cancer drugs, it could be seen that there are various treatments that are available. There is a new type of technique being worked on in order to insert drugs targeting cancer cells into the body. The drugs are going to be inserted into the body by means of liposomes.

What are liposomes? A liposome is basically a small spherical artificial vesicle that holds drug inside it. The walls are made of lipid bilayers (amphiphiles) which help the drug stay in and prevent it from leaking out while it has not reached its specific site. In order for the liposome to bind to a specific site, antibodies are attached to them with polymers.

Liposomes (cont’d) Liposomes with antibodies (immunoliposomes) are specified to attach to particular cells, in our case it is cancer cells. Cells have receptors called antigens, which bond non- covalently to antibodies. That means that the liposomes attached to the antibodies are going to attach themselves to the cell, and possibly release their drug inside the cell. Through the process of endocytosis, the liposomes are going to internalize into the cells.

Overview of Experiment In this experiment, we are going to observe how many antibodies we attach to the liposomes and how many of the liposomes bind to target cells. Human cancer ovarian cells(SKOV 3 ) are going to be used as our target cells where the liposomes are going to release the drug. The antibody Herceptin also known as (Trastuzumab) is going to be attached to polyethylene glycol (PEG), a polymer which is attached to the liposome. Liposomes without antibodies are going to be used as our control, whereas our experimental factor is going to be the liposomes with antibodies. At the end of the experiment, we will observe the amount of binding and internalization done by the different liposomes.

Materials Liposomes Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Human cancer ovarian cells (SKOV3) Herceptin(Trastuzumab) antibody Spectrofluorometer

Method Preparation of liposomes with malemide PEG. Activation of antibody by Traut’s reagent. Binding of antibodies to liposomes. Cell binding with immunoliposomes and control liposomes.

Connection to Human Life Antibodies help to specifically target the cancer cells. This aim of these experiments is to design a liposomal system that would specifically target the cancer cells and reduce the toxicity. If the drug distribution in the cells work, then the cancer cells specifically will be weakening, causing the healthier cells to take over.

Acknowledgements Professor Stavroula Sofou Shrirang Karve Polytechnic University Dr. SAT Bhattacharya Harlem Children Society

Work Cited ge=156http:// ge=156 mes.htmlhttp:// mes.html PEG-Immunoliposome, Bioscience Reports, Vol. 22, No. 2, April 2002, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Japan