Calcium phosphate nanocomposite particles for in vitro imaging and encapsulated chemotherapeutic drug delivery to cancer cells.

Paradigm-shifting modalities to more efficiently deliver drugs to cancerous lesions require the following attributes: nanoscale-size, targetability, and stability under physiological conditions. Often, these nanoscale drug delivery vehicles are limited due to agglomeration, poor solubility, or cytotoxicity. Thus, we have designed a methodology to encapsulate hydrophobic antineoplastic chemotherapeutics within a 20-30 nm diameter, pH-responsive, nonagglomerating, nontoxic calcium phosphate nanoparticle matrix. In the present study, we report on calcium phosphate nanocomposite particles (CPNPs) that encapsulate both fluorophores and chemotherapeutics, are colloidally stable in physiological solution for an extended time at 37 degrees C and can efficaciously deliver hydrophobic antineoplastic agents, such as ceramide, in several cell model systems.