Fluvastatin-loaded chitosan-coated transfersomes for tumor-targeted nanotheranostics: Optimization, in-vitro cytotoxicity, and in-vivo radiokinetic evaluation.

This study focused on developing chitosan-coated fluvastatin (FLU)-loaded transfersomes (TFs) as a nanovesicular system for tumor targeting and in-vivo tracking using technetium-99 m. The vesicles were prepared, characterized, and tested for cytotoxicity on breast cancer cell lines. TFs showed nanoscale size (256.70-646.70 nm), high entrapment efficiency (39.80-72.45%), and good stability. Chitosan coating imparted a positive surface charge, enhancing efficacy, while sustained drug release over 24 h and high deformability were observed. Radiolabeling efficiency reached 96.5 ± 1% with favorable stability. In-vivo biodistribution studies revealed a 4.6-fold increase in tumor uptake compared to FLU solution, and pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated higher Cmax and AUC values, indicating improved systemic exposure. Enhanced cytotoxicity was confirmed in both tested breast cancer cell lines. These findings suggest that chitosan-coated FLU-TFs represent a promising platform for targeted drug delivery and radiokinetic imaging in solid tumors, though further validation in breast cancer-specific in-vivo models is required.