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Published on: May 14, 2021
Fucoidan-Based Nanoparticles with Inherently Therapeutic Efficacy for Cancer Treatment
Chih-Sheng Chiang1,2,3, Bo-Jie Huang4, Jui-Yu Chen4
1Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
Abstract:
The anticancer properties of fucoidan have been widely studied in cancer research. However, the lack of safety information on the parenteral administration of fucoidan and its rapid clearance from the system have limited its application. Herein, we assessed the therapeutic efficacy and safety of fucoidan and developed fucoidan nanoparticles (FuNPs) to enhance their therapeutic effect in the mouse model of breast cancer. FuNPs were synthesized through the emulsion method, and the stable colloid has an average size of 216.3 nm. FuNPs were efficiently internalized into breast cancer cells in vitro, demonstrating an enhanced antitumor activity in comparison with free form fucoidan. After the treatment of FuNPs, the tumor progression was significantly inhibited in viv. The tumor volume was reduced by 2.49-fold compared with the control group. Moreover, the inhibition of the invasion of tumor cells into the lungs revealed the antimetastatic properties of the FuNPs. FuNPs, as naturally marine polysaccharide-based nanoparticles, have shown their broader therapeutic window and enhanced antimetastatic ability, opening an avenue to the development of the inherently therapeutic nanomedicines.
Insights
Fucoidan nanoparticles (FuNPs) show enhanced anticancer and antimetastatic effects in breast cancer models. This marine polysaccharide-based nanomedicine offers a broader therapeutic window and improved efficacy compared to free fucoidan.
Area of Science:
- Marine biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
- Cancer research
Background:
- Fucoidan exhibits anticancer properties but faces limitations in parenteral administration due to safety concerns and rapid clearance.
- Developing effective delivery systems is crucial for fucoidan's therapeutic application in cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of fucoidan nanoparticles (FuNPs) for breast cancer treatment.
- To enhance the antitumor and antimetastatic activity of fucoidan through nanoparticle formulation.
Main Methods:
- FuNPs were synthesized using an emulsion method, resulting in a stable colloid with an average size of 216.3 nm.
- In vitro studies assessed FuNP internalization into breast cancer cells.
- In vivo studies in a mouse model of breast cancer evaluated the therapeutic effects of FuNPs on tumor progression and metastasis.
Main Results:
- FuNPs demonstrated efficient internalization into cancer cells and superior antitumor activity compared to free fucoidan in vitro.
- In vivo treatment with FuNPs significantly inhibited tumor progression, reducing tumor volume by 2.49-fold versus the control group.
- FuNPs exhibited significant antimetastatic properties by inhibiting tumor cell invasion into the lungs.
Conclusions:
- Fucoidan nanoparticles offer enhanced therapeutic efficacy and antimetastatic potential for breast cancer.
- These marine polysaccharide-based nanoparticles present a promising avenue for developing novel nanomedicines with improved safety and broader therapeutic windows.
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