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Triple-enzyme mimetic hemocompatible nanoparticles for glioblastoma targetingviapH-responsive enhanced ROS generation
Ayush Sharma1, Kaustubh Jumle1, Ayushi Kaushik2
1Amity Center for Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine (ACNN), Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan 303002, India.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|April 21, 2026
Summary
This study developed ayurvedic nanoparticles from Bauhinia variegata to target glioblastoma by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). These biocompatible nanoparticles show promise for cancer therapy by selectively killing cancer cells while protecting healthy ones.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Oxidative stress is a hallmark of glioblastoma, contributing to tumor growth and treatment resistance.
- Targeted therapies are needed to selectively eliminate glioblastoma cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop biocompatible gold (Au), silver (Ag), and bimetallic (Au-Ag) nanoparticles using Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar) ayurvedic formulation.
- To engineer these nanoparticles for pH-responsive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation to target glioblastoma.
- To evaluate the nanoparticles' multi-enzyme mimetic activity, hemocompatibility, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetrability.
Main Methods:
- Biocompatible synthesis of Au, Ag, and Au-Ag nanoparticles using Bauhinia variegata extract.
- Characterization of nanoparticle surface chemistry and pH-dependent enzymatic activities (catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase).
- In vitro evaluation of ROS generation, cytotoxicity in glioblastoma (LN229), peripheral blood mononuclear (hPBMC), and embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells.
Main Results:
- Synthesized nanoparticles exhibited pH-dependent multi-enzyme mimetic properties, with enhanced peroxidase activity at acidic tumor pH and catalase activity at neutral pH.
- Nanoparticles demonstrated hemocompatibility with red blood cells (RBCs) and ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
- In vitro studies showed ROS-mediated killing of glioblastoma cells, while reducing oxidative stress in non-malignant cells.
Conclusions:
- Ayurvedic formulation-based nanoparticles offer a biocompatible platform for targeted glioblastoma therapy.
- The pH-responsive ROS generation mechanism allows for selective cancer cell targeting.
- These multi-enzyme mimetic nanoparticles hold potential for biomedical applications in glioblastoma treatment.
