Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2025
Encapsulation of Cancer Therapeutic Agent Dacarbazine Using Nanostructured Lipid Carrier
Published on: April 26, 2016
Development of D-Limonene Nanoemulsions for Oral Cancer Inhibition: Investigating the Role of Ostwald Ripening
Suwisit Manmuan1, Yotsanan Weerapol1, Tiraniti Chuenbarn1
1Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Burapha University, Chon Buri 20131, Thailand.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Ostwald ripening inhibitors on D-limonene (D-LMN) nanoemulsions and to elucidate their impact on oral cancer cells. Various inhibitors, including olive oil, soybean oil, and perilla oil, were incorporated into D-LMN nanoemulsions at different ratios (25:75-75:25, D-LMN to inhibitor). The resulting nanoemulsions were evaluated for droplet size, size distribution, zeta potential, stability, droplet morphology, cytotoxicity, antimetastatic and anti-invasive activities, apoptosis induction, and cell cycle arrest. Results showed that the 75:25 D-LMN to inhibitor ratio produced the smallest droplet size and exhibited great stability, particularly with perilla oil. Notably, D-LMN nanoemulsions displayed strong anti-oral cancer effects by reducing cell viability, metastasis, and invasion. Apoptosis was induced, as evidenced by nuclear fragmentation, Annexin V binding, and altered expression of BAX, BCL-XL, Cytochrome c, and Caspase-9. Additionally, the nanoemulsions caused cell cycle arrest via downregulation of Cyclin D1, CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6. These findings highlight the potential of D-LMN nanoemulsions as a promising alternative therapeutic strategy for oral cancer treatment.
Insights
D-limonene (D-LMN) nanoemulsions, stabilized with inhibitors like perilla oil, show significant potential against oral cancer. These nanoemulsions effectively reduce cancer cell viability, metastasis, and invasion, offering a promising therapeutic avenue.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- D-limonene (D-LMN) is a natural compound with potential anti-cancer properties.
- Nanoemulsions offer improved delivery and efficacy of therapeutic agents.
- Oral cancer remains a significant global health challenge requiring novel treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Ostwald ripening inhibitors on D-limonene (D-LMN) nanoemulsions.
- To evaluate the anti-cancer effects of D-LMN nanoemulsions on oral cancer cells.
- To determine the optimal formulation of D-LMN nanoemulsions using various inhibitors.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of D-LMN nanoemulsions with different inhibitors (olive oil, soybean oil, perilla oil) at varying ratios.
- Characterization of nanoemulsions including droplet size, zeta potential, and stability.
- In vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity, anti-metastatic, anti-invasive, apoptosis induction, and cell cycle arrest in oral cancer cells.
Main Results:
- The 75:25 D-LMN to inhibitor ratio yielded the smallest droplet size and highest stability, especially with perilla oil.
- D-LMN nanoemulsions significantly reduced oral cancer cell viability, metastasis, and invasion.
- Apoptosis was induced via modulation of BAX, BCL-XL, Cytochrome c, and Caspase-9.
- Cell cycle arrest was observed through downregulation of Cyclin D1, CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6.
Conclusions:
- D-limonene (D-LMN) nanoemulsions formulated with Ostwald ripening inhibitors demonstrate potent anti-oral cancer activity.
- Perilla oil is an effective inhibitor for creating stable and effective D-LMN nanoemulsions.
- These findings suggest D-LMN nanoemulsions are a promising alternative therapeutic strategy for oral cancer treatment.
