Selenium nanoparticles-loaded with papain as a promising Nanoplatform for hepatocellular carcinoma control: 2D/3D tissue culture models and in silico prediction study

Recent progress in nanomedicine and nanotechnology has increased the range of multifunctional nanostructure. Hence, novel approaches have been generated for targeted systems to deliver medication in oncology and nuclear medicine. Papain, a Carica papaya protease, is a feasible green nanotechnology option due to its medicinal properties, including its effects against cancer. This study examined the use of papain-loaded selenium nanoparticles (PaSe NPs) against HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The PaSe NPs were prepared by chemical synthesis. UV-Vis, Fourier transform infrared, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to examine the structural, optical, and morphological characteristics of the Se NPs. The activity of the Se NPs, Papain, and PaSe NPs against cancer was examined using a cytotoxicity assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (Ao/EB) staining. PaSe NPs showed a higher cytotoxicity rate than Se NPs alone. The growth of spheroids in a three-dimensional (3D) model of HepG2 cells was reduced by PaSe NPs. Molecular docking determined the optimal PaSe NP conformation against the 7ZA2 receptor in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Se-Pap nano preparation has strong in vitro activity and holds promise as a potential candidate for further development toward clinical applications as an anticancer agent.