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Silk Fibroin-Stabilized Lapachol Microemulsion Enhances Antiglioma Activity In Vitro.
Jardel P Queiroz1,2,3, Fábio R Oliveira4, Eline Gomes Santos5,2
1Programa De Pós-Graduação Em Farmacologia e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil.
Chemistry & Biodiversity
|January 8, 2026
Summary
A novel silk fibroin (SF)-based microemulsion effectively delivered lapachol (LP) to glioma cells. This nanocarrier showed enhanced efficacy and selectivity, offering a promising new therapeutic strategy for brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Gliomas represent the most common brain tumors, characterized by high mortality rates and limited treatment avenues.
- Current therapeutic strategies for gliomas face challenges in efficacy and selectivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel silk fibroin (SF)-based microemulsion as a nanocarrier for lapachol (LP).
- To assess the therapeutic potential of lapachol nanoemulsion (LPN) and the SF-based microemulsion (LP-SF) against human (AHOL1) and rat (C6) glioma cells.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of lapachol nanoemulsion (LPN) and SF-based microemulsion (LP-SF).
- Evaluation of colloidal stability and drug release profiles for both formulations.
- Assessment of cytotoxicity and selectivity against AHOL1 and C6 glioma cells compared to free lapachol and LPN.
Main Results:
- Both LPN and LP-SF formulations demonstrated colloidal stability.
- LP-SF exhibited sustained drug release and superior cytotoxicity against glioma cells (IC50: 19.96 µg/mL for C6, 1.7 µg/mL for AHOL1) compared to free LP and LPN.
- LP-SF maintained selectivity towards tumor cells, sparing healthy cells, indicating a favorable safety profile.
Conclusions:
- The SF-based microemulsion (LP-SF) represents a promising nanoplatform for enhanced glioma therapy.
- LP-SF combines improved antitumor efficacy with significant safety, offering a potential advancement over conventional approaches.
