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Curcumin and Silibinin loaded pegylated nanoniosome for cancer therapy: bioinformatics and in vitro study
Mohammad Hosseini Hooshiar1, Behnaz Shahi Khalaf Ansar2, Robab Shaghaghian3
1Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer that poses significant treatment challenges with conventional therapies. Innovative therapeutic approaches, including the use of phytochemicals and nanoparticles, are being explored to enhance treatment efficacy.
Methods:
This study investigates the potential of PEGylated niosomes to enhance the antitumor effects of Silibinin and Curcumin against TNBC. PEGylated niosomes were synthesized using the thin-film hydration technique. Their size, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) characteristics, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release profiles, MTT, and apoptosis testmtt were subsequently evaluated. Additionally, bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the interactions between Curcumin, Silibinin, and key proteins involved in breast cancer.
Results:
The synthesized niosomes demonstrated a consistent release pattern over 72 h, achieving a high encapsulation efficiency of 90% for Silibinin and 87% for Curcumin. The niosomes exhibited a uniform size distribution with an average diameter of 50 nm. Bioinformatics analysis using STITCH, UniProt, and Cytoscape revealed that Curcumin and Silibinin interact with critical proteins associated with breast cancer, such as EGFR, STAT3, and TP53, which influence pathways related to cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. In vitro tests on MDA-MB-231 cells indicated that dual-drug niosomes significantly reduced cell viability, induced apoptosis, and inhibited cell proliferation compared to single-drug niosomes and free drugs.
Conclusions:
The findings suggest that PEGylated niosomes encapsulating Silibinin and Curcumin may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for treating TNBC, as they target multiple cellular pathways and enhance drug delivery.
Insights
PEGylated niosomes loaded with Silibinin and Curcumin show promise for treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This dual-drug nanoparticle system effectively reduces cancer cell viability and induces apoptosis, offering a new therapeutic avenue.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options.
- Phytochemicals and nanoparticles are being investigated for enhanced TNBC therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate PEGylated niosomes for co-delivery of Silibinin and Curcumin against TNBC.
- To assess the antitumor efficacy and underlying mechanisms of the dual-drug niosomal formulation.
Main Methods:
- PEGylated niosomes were synthesized and characterized for size, FTIR, and encapsulation efficiency.
- In vitro drug release, cytotoxicity (MTT), and apoptosis assays were performed on MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells.
- Bioinformatics tools (STITCH, UniProt, Cytoscape) analyzed drug-protein interactions in breast cancer.
Main Results:
- Niosomes achieved high encapsulation efficiency (Silibinin 90%, Curcumin 87%) and sustained release over 72 hours.
- Average niosome size was 50 nm, indicating good nanoparticle characteristics.
- Bioinformatics identified interactions of Silibinin and Curcumin with key breast cancer proteins (EGFR, STAT3, TP53).
- Dual-drug niosomes significantly inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in TNBC cells compared to single agents.
Conclusions:
- PEGylated niosomes encapsulating Silibinin and Curcumin represent a promising strategy for TNBC treatment.
- This formulation enhances drug delivery and targets multiple cancer pathways, offering improved therapeutic potential.
