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Anticancer Biosurfactant-Loaded PLA-PEG Nanoparticles Induce Apoptosis in Human MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells
Aishani Wadhawan1, Joga Singh2, Himani Sharma3
1Biotechnology Branch, University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh 160014, India.
Abstract:
Despite various advancements in cancer therapies, treating cancer efficiently without side effects is still a major concern for researchers. Anticancer drugs from natural sources need to be explored as a replacement for chemo drugs to overcome their limitations. In our previous studies, isolation, characterization, and anticancer properties of a novel biosurfactant from Candida parapsilosis were reported. In this study, we report the cytotoxicity of the polymeric nanoparticles of this novel biosurfactant toward breast cancer cells. Biosurfactant-encapsulated polymeric nanoparticles of polylactic acid-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) copolymers were synthesized by the double emulsion solvent evaporation method. Folic acid (FA) was used as a targeting ligand to actively deliver the anticancer cargo to the cancer site. The encapsulation efficiency of nanoparticles was observed as 84.9%, and Fickian diffusion was observed as a kinetic model for the release of biosurfactant from nanoparticles. The controlled delivery of the biosurfactant was noticed when encapsulated in PLA-PEG copolymer nanoparticles. Additionally, it was observed that FA enhanced the uptake and cytotoxicity of biosurfactant-loaded nanoparticles in MDA-MB-231 cancer cells compared to biosurfactant-loaded plain nanoparticles. Induction of apoptosis was observed in cancer cells by these nanoparticles. We explore a potential anticancer agent that can be further analyzed for its efficiency and can be used as an alternative tool.
Insights
Novel biosurfactant nanoparticles show potent anticancer effects against breast cancer cells. Folic acid targeting enhances drug delivery and cytotoxicity, offering a promising alternative to chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Traditional chemotherapy faces limitations due to side effects.
- Natural product-derived anticancer agents are being explored as alternatives.
- Previous studies identified a novel biosurfactant from Candida parapsilosis with anticancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and evaluate the cytotoxicity of polymeric nanoparticles encapsulating a novel biosurfactant against breast cancer cells.
- To investigate the role of folic acid (FA) as a targeting ligand for enhanced delivery and efficacy.
- To assess the controlled release and apoptotic effects of the targeted nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of polylactic acid-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) copolymer nanoparticles encapsulating the biosurfactant using a double emulsion solvent evaporation method.
- Functionalization of nanoparticles with folic acid (FA) for targeted delivery.
- Evaluation of encapsulation efficiency, drug release kinetics (Fickian diffusion), and cellular uptake in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.
- Assessment of cytotoxicity and induction of apoptosis.
Main Results:
- High encapsulation efficiency (84.9%) of the biosurfactant within PLA-PEG nanoparticles was achieved.
- Controlled release of the biosurfactant from nanoparticles followed Fickian diffusion kinetics.
- Folic acid-targeted nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced cellular uptake and cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 cells compared to non-targeted nanoparticles.
- The nanoparticles effectively induced apoptosis in cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- PLA-PEG copolymer nanoparticles provide an effective system for controlled delivery of the novel biosurfactant.
- Folic acid-mediated targeting significantly improves the anticancer efficacy of the biosurfactant-loaded nanoparticles.
- These targeted nanoparticles represent a promising, potentially less toxic, alternative for breast cancer therapy.
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