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Albumin-based nanocarriers loaded with novel Zn(II)-thiosemicarbazone compounds chart a new path for precision breast
Ferdane Danişman-Kalindemirtaş1, Dilşad Özerkan2, İshak Afşin Kariper3
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, Erzincan.
Abstract:
This study explores the therapeutic potential of albumin-bound Zn(II)-thiosemicarbazone compounds (Alb-ZnTcA, Alb-ZnTcB) against breast cancer cells. Previous research indicates that these compounds hinder cancer cell proliferation by blocking DNA synthesis, promoting oxidative stress to induce apoptosis, and disrupting the cell cycle to inhibit cellular division. This study focuses on the loading and characterization of these potentially chemically unstable compounds on bovine serum albumin-based nanocarriers. Accordingly, unlike previous studies using albumin nanoparticles, in this study, ultraviolet light was used to precisely bind the therapeutic agent to albumin during the integration of thiosemicarbazones, achieving controlled nanoparticle size to control nanoparticle size. The mean diameter of Alb-ZnTcA nanoparticles was 32 nm, while Alb-ZnTcB exhibited an average diameter of 43 nm. Notably, Alb-ZnTcA displayed the highest cytotoxicity toward breast cancer cells, suggesting an optimal size for cellular uptake. Additionally, albumin-bound compounds showed enhanced cytotoxicity at lower concentrations, potentially minimizing adverse side effects. Apoptosis analysis indicated that both Alb-ZnTcA and Alb-ZnTcB induce cell death predominantly through apoptosis, effectively preventing the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells. These findings demonstrate the potential of Zn(II)-thiosemicarbazone compounds loaded on albumin-based nanocarriers for breast cancer treatment. The increased potency of Alb-ZnTcA and Alb-ZnTcB compared to free compounds, along with their ability to activate apoptotic signaling pathways in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, highlights a promising approach for future cancer therapies. This study suggests that albumin-bound Zn(II)-thiosemicarbazone compounds could offer a targeted and effective strategy in breast cancer treatment, leveraging the advantages of nanocarrier-based delivery systems.
Insights
Albumin-bound zinc(II)-thiosemicarbazone compounds show promise for breast cancer treatment. These nanoparticles induce apoptosis and inhibit cancer cell proliferation, offering a potentially targeted therapy with reduced side effects.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Cancer Therapeutics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Zinc(II)-thiosemicarbazone compounds exhibit anticancer properties by inhibiting DNA synthesis, inducing oxidative stress, and disrupting the cell cycle.
- Chemically unstable therapeutic agents require advanced delivery systems for effective cancer treatment.
- Albumin-based nanocarriers offer biocompatibility and potential for targeted drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize albumin-bound zinc(II)-thiosemicarbazone nanoparticles (Alb-ZnTcA, Alb-ZnTcB) for breast cancer therapy.
- To investigate the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of action of these novel nanocarriers against breast cancer cells.
- To optimize nanoparticle size for enhanced cellular uptake and therapeutic outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of albumin-bound zinc(II)-thiosemicarbazone compounds (Alb-ZnTcA, Alb-ZnTcB) using ultraviolet light for controlled nanoparticle formation.
- Determination of nanoparticle size (Alb-ZnTcA: 32 nm, Alb-ZnTcB: 43 nm).
- Evaluation of cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, and cellular uptake in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Alb-ZnTcA nanoparticles (32 nm) exhibited higher cytotoxicity toward breast cancer cells, suggesting optimal size for uptake.
- Both Alb-ZnTcA and Alb-ZnTcB demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity at lower concentrations compared to free compounds.
- Apoptosis analysis confirmed that the compounds induce cell death, effectively preventing cancer cell proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Albumin-bound Zn(II)-thiosemicarbazone compounds loaded on nanocarriers represent a promising strategy for breast cancer treatment.
- The nanocarrier system enhances the potency of the therapeutic agents, potentially minimizing systemic toxicity.
- These findings support the development of targeted nanomedicines for effective cancer therapy.
