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Gliadin Nanoparticles Containing Doxorubicin Hydrochloride: Characterization and Cytotoxicity
Silvia Voci1, Agnese Gagliardi1, Nicola Ambrosio1
1Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Campus Universitario "S Venuta", 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
Abstract:
Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) is a well-known antitumor drug used as first line treatment for many types of malignancies. Despite its clinical relevance, the administration of the compound is negatively affected by dose-dependent off-target toxicity phenomena. Nanotechnology has helped to overcome these important limitations by improving the therapeutic index of the bioactive and promoting the translation of novel nanomedicines into clinical practice. Herein, nanoparticles made up of wheat gliadin and stabilized by polyoxyethylene (2) oleyl ether were investigated for the first time as carriers of DOX. The encapsulation of the compound did not significantly affect the physico-chemical features of the gliadin nanoparticles (GNPs), which evidenced a mean diameter of ~180 nm, a polydispersity index < 0.2 and a negative surface charge. The nanosystems demonstrated great stability regarding temperature (25−50 °C) and were able to retain high amounts of drug, allowing its prolonged and sustained release for up to a week. In vitro viability assay performed against breast cancer cells demonstrated that the nanoencapsulation of DOX modulated the cytotoxicity of the bioactive as a function of the incubation time with respect to the free form of the drug. The results demonstrate the potential use of GNPs as carriers of hydrophilic antitumor compounds.
Insights
Wheat gliadin nanoparticles effectively encapsulate and sustain the release of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), an anticancer drug. This novel nanocarrier system shows potential for improved cancer therapy by modulating drug toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) is a vital chemotherapy agent but suffers from dose-dependent toxicity.
- Nanotechnology offers solutions to enhance drug delivery and improve the therapeutic index of anticancer agents.
- Gliadin nanoparticles (GNPs) present a novel platform for encapsulating hydrophilic drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate wheat gliadin nanoparticles (GNPs) as carriers for doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX).
- To characterize the physico-chemical properties, stability, and drug release profile of DOX-loaded GNPs.
- To evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of DOX-loaded GNPs against breast cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of gliadin nanoparticles (GNPs).
- Encapsulation of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) into GNPs.
- Assessment of nanoparticle size, polydispersity index, and surface charge.
- Evaluation of nanoparticle stability across a temperature range (25–50 °C).
- In vitro drug release studies over seven days.
- In vitro cytotoxicity assays using breast cancer cell lines.
Main Results:
- DOX encapsulation did not significantly alter GNP physico-chemical properties (mean diameter ~180 nm, PDI < 0.2, negative charge).
- GNPs exhibited excellent stability between 25–50 °C and sustained DOX release for up to one week.
- Nanoencapsulation modulated DOX's in vitro cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells compared to the free drug.
Conclusions:
- Wheat gliadin nanoparticles are a promising carrier for hydrophilic anticancer drugs like DOX.
- This nanodelivery system demonstrates potential for improving the therapeutic efficacy and safety of chemotherapy.
- Further research into GNPs could lead to advanced nanomedicines for cancer treatment.
