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Vitamin C-promoted cell death via nanoparticle-based high-dose delivery
Rajkumar Sahoo1, Nikhil R Jana1
1School of Materials Science, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India. camnrj@iacs.res.in.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|July 21, 2025
Summary
A novel nanoparticle formulation effectively delivers high doses of vitamin C into cells. This approach generates reactive oxygen species, ultimately inducing cancer cell death.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a vital nutrient with potential anti-cancer properties.
- Effective delivery of high-dose vitamin C to cancer cells remains a challenge.
- Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems offer enhanced cellular uptake and targeted delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a nanoparticle formulation for high-dose vitamin C delivery.
- To investigate the intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the formulation.
- To assess the efficacy of the formulation in inducing cancer cell death.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of vitamin C-loaded nanoparticles.
- In vitro cell culture studies using cancer cell lines.
- Measurement of intracellular ROS levels.
- Assessment of cell viability and apoptosis assays.
Main Results:
- The nanoparticle formulation successfully delivered high concentrations of vitamin C into cells.
- Significant intracellular ROS generation was observed post-delivery.
- The formulation demonstrated potent induction of cancer cell death and apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticle-mediated delivery of vitamin C is a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
- High intracellular vitamin C concentrations can effectively induce cancer cell death via ROS.
- This formulation warrants further investigation for clinical applications.
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