The evaluation of anticancer activity by synthesizing 5FU loaded albumin nanoparticles by exposure to UV light

Albumin-based nanocarriers loaded with novel Zn(II)-thiosemicarbazone compounds chart a new path for precision breast cancer therapy

This study explores the therapeutic potential of albumin-bound Zn(II)-thiosemicarbazone compounds (Alb-ZnTcA, Alb-ZnTcB) against breast cancer cells. Previous research indicates that these compounds hinder cancer cell proliferation by blocking DNA synthesis, promoting oxidative stress to induce apoptosis, and disrupting the cell cycle to inhibit cellular division. This study focuses on the loading and characterization of these potentially chemically unstable compounds on bovine serum albumin-based nanocarriers. Accordingly, unlike previous studies using albumin nanoparticles, in this study, ultraviolet light was used to precisely bind the therapeutic agent to albumin during the integration of thiosemicarbazones, achieving controlled nanoparticle size to control nanoparticle size. The mean diameter of Alb-ZnTcA nanoparticles was 32 nm, while Alb-ZnTcB exhibited an average diameter of 43 nm. Notably, Alb-ZnTcA displayed the highest cytotoxicity toward breast cancer cells, suggesting an optimal size for cellular uptake. Additionally, albumin-bound compounds showed enhanced cytotoxicity at lower concentrations, potentially minimizing adverse side effects. Apoptosis analysis indicated that both Alb-ZnTcA and Alb-ZnTcB induce cell death predominantly through apoptosis, effectively preventing the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells. These findings demonstrate the potential of Zn(II)-thiosemicarbazone compounds loaded on albumin-based nanocarriers for breast cancer treatment. The increased potency of Alb-ZnTcA and Alb-ZnTcB compared to free compounds, along with their ability to activate apoptotic signaling pathways in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, highlights a promising approach for future cancer therapies. This study suggests that albumin-bound Zn(II)-thiosemicarbazone compounds could offer a targeted and effective strategy in breast cancer treatment, leveraging the advantages of nanocarrier-based delivery systems.

Berberine decorated zinc oxide loaded chitosan nanoparticles a potent anti cancer agent against breast cancer

Breast cancer ranks as the second leading reason of cancer mortality among females globally, emphasizing the critical need for novel anticancer treatments. In current work, berberine-zinc oxide conjugated chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using various characterization techniques. The cytotoxic effects of CS-ZnO-Ber NPs on MCF-7 cells were assessed using the MTT assay. Also, annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, Hoechst 33,342 staining, caspases-8 and 9 activity assays, and cell cycle analysis were performed. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of Bax and Bcl-2 genes were quantified using qPCR. Additionally, cell migration was evaluated using a scratch assay. The IC50 value of NPs against MCF-7 cells measured 7.41 µg/mL. Apoptosis induction in NP-treated cells was confirmed by Annexin V/PI staining, accompanied by the observation of condensed chromatin and fragmented DNA. Moreover, the pro-apoptotic potential of NPs was evidenced by significant increases in caspases-8 and 9 activity and a decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Furthermore, cell cycle arrest at the sub-G1 was noticed in the treated cells. Additionally, the NPs markedly inhibited the migration rate of MCF-7 cells. These findings suggest that CS-ZnO-Ber NPs induce cell-cycle arrest and activate the apoptotic pathways in MCF-7 cells, highlighting their potential as a hopeful therapeutic agent for breast cancer.

Review of Prodrug and Nanodelivery Strategies to Improve the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer with Fluoropyrimidine Drugs

Fluoropyrimidine (FP) drugs are central components of combination chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). FP-based chemotherapy has improved survival outcomes over the last several decades with much of the therapeutic benefit derived from the optimization of dose and delivery. To provide further advances in therapeutic efficacy, next-generation prodrugs and nanodelivery systems for FPs are being developed. This review focuses on recent innovative nanodelivery approaches for FP drugs that display therapeutic promise. We summarize established, clinically useful FP prodrug strategies, including capecitabine, which exploit tumor-specific enzyme expression for optimal anticancer activity. We then describe the use of FP DNA-based polymers (e.g., CF10) for the delivery of activated FP nucleotides as a nanodelivery approach with proven activity in pre-clinical models and with clinical potential. Multiple nanodelivery systems for FP delivery show promise in CRC pre-clinical models and we review advances in albumin-mediated FP delivery, the development of mesoporous silica nanoparticles, emulsion-based nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, hydrogel-based delivery, and liposomes and lipid nanoparticles that display particular promise for therapeutic development. Nanodelivery of FPs is anticipated to impact CRC treatment in the coming years and to improve survival for cancer patients.

Preparation, characterization and in vitro evaluation of 5-fluorouracil loaded into chitosan-acacia gum nanoparticles

Aim: In this study, we prepared, characterized and in vitro evaluated a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-loaded chitosan-acacia gum nanoparticles. Methods: Nanoparticles were characterized for their size, charge, morphology and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) followed by cellular investigations against HT-29 colon cancer cell line. Results: The nanoparticles exhibited a spherical morphological size with 94.42% EE%. Free 5-FU showed a fast and fully cumulative release after 6 h while 5-FU loaded into CS-AG NPs showed good entrapment and slow, prolonged 5-FU release even after 24 h. Enhanced IC50 for the 5-FU loaded NPs compared with free 5-FU against HT-29 colon cancer cell line was reported with high selectivity compared with normal fibroblast cells. Conclusion: 5-FU loaded NPs is promising nano-therapy against colon cancer.