Tumour-specific hybrid nanoparticles in therapy of breast cancer

In this study, salicylic acid (SA) dopped into poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and prepared nanoparticles (NPs) to increase encapsulation efficiency, anti-cancer activity of caffeic acid (Caff), and folic acid (FA) for breast cancer treatment. NPs were prepared by solvent evaporation method and characterised by FTIR, DSC, SEM, and entrapment-loading efficiencies. The mean diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP) were evaluated by dynamic light scattering (DLS). In vitro release and stability studies were done via eppendorf method. The cytotoxicity, cell dead and internalisation of NPs were shown by MTT, fluorescein and confocal microscopy. The diameter and ZP of NPs were 172 ± 7 nm and -29 ± 0.38 mV. The entrapment efficiencies of 5 and 10 Caff NPs were 79 ± 0.23% and 70 ± 0.42%. NPs showed good stability within 30 d and sustained release over 25 d. FA-5Caff NPs showed 37 ± 0.3% viability on MCF-7. FA-Caff NPs were identified as promising carrier system for breast cancer therapy.