Targeted delivery of nano-formulated integrin-silencing and anti-EGFR siRNAs via inorganic nanocrystals for in vitro and in vivo breast cancer

The tumour microenvironment poses as a sanctuary for oncogenic cross-talks orchestrated by cell adhesion molecules like integrins, and growth factor receptors. Harnessing siRNAs for integrin/GFR silencing could hamper intricate oncogenic signalling, inhibiting tumorigenesis. This study focussed on the synthesis and characterization of pH-sensitive inorganic calcium carbonate nanocrystals as optimized nanocarriers for the targeted delivery of integrins and EGFR-specific siRNAs in both breast cancer cells and an established murine mammary tumour model. Our biocompatible calcite nanocomplexes shield siRNAs from degradation, promote intracellular delivery and exhibit pH-responsive release, forming unique protein corona to assemble with silencing machinery and suppress breast cancer progression.