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Updated: Feb 3, 2026

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Selective Photodynamic Effects on Breast Cancer Cells Provided by p123 Pluronic®- Based Nanoparticles Modulating

Gabrielle Marconi Zago Ferreira Damke1, Raquel Pantarotto Souza1, Maiara Camotti Montanha2

  • 1Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, Universidade Estadual de Maringa, Parana, Brazil.

Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
|November 3, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study shows that supersaturated hypericin (HYP) encapsulated on Pluronic® P123 (HYP/P123) effectively targets and kills breast cancer cells via photodynamic therapy. HYP/P123 micelles demonstrate potential for preventing recurrence and metastasis, warranting further in vivo evaluation.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Nanotechnology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Breast cancer remains a leading cause of death in women, with a need for novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a promising avenue, but effective drug delivery systems are crucial.
  • Previous research explored Pluronics with photosensitizers for PDT.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of supersaturated hypericin (HYP) encapsulated on Pluronic® P123 (HYP/P123) against breast cancer cells.
  • To assess the selective toxicity and therapeutic potential of HYP/P123 for breast cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Cellular uptake and subcellular localization of HYP/P123 were visualized using fluorescence microscopy.
  • Phototoxicity and cytotoxicity were evaluated through trypan blue exclusion and clonogenic assays.
  • Cell migration, apoptosis, and necrosis were assessed using wound-healing and Annexin V/PI assays.

Main Results:

  • HYP/P123 micelles exhibited high stability and selective internalization into MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
  • Accumulation in mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum led to photodynamic necrosis.
  • Effective, dose-dependent phototoxicity was observed in MCF-7 cells with minimal impact on normal breast cells (MCF-10A).
  • HYP/P123 inhibited colony formation and tumor cell migration, suggesting potential to prevent recurrence and metastasis.

Conclusions:

  • HYP/P123 micelles serve as a promising platform for hypericin delivery in photodynamic therapy for breast cancer.
  • The selective targeting and efficacy of HYP/P123 warrant further preclinical investigation in vivo.
Keywords:
Pluronic® P123Selective photodynamic effectbreast cancer cellshypericinmicellesnanoparticles

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