Co-Loaded Curcumin and Methotrexate Nanocapsules Enhance Cytotoxicity against Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Abstract

Background: As part of the efforts to find natural alternatives for cancer treatment and to overcome the barriers of cellular resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, polymeric nanocapsules containing curcumin and/or methotrexate were prepared by an interfacial deposition of preformed polymer method. Methods: Physicochemical properties, drug release experiments and in vitro cytotoxicity of these nanocapsules were performed against the Calu-3 lung cancer cell line. Results: The colloidal suspensions of nanocapsules showed suitable size (287 to 325 nm), negative charge (−33 to −41 mV) and high encapsulation efficiency (82.4 to 99.4%). Spherical particles at nanoscale dimensions were observed by scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that nanocapsules exhibited a non-crystalline pattern with a remarkable decrease of crystalline peaks of the raw materials. Fourier-transform infrared spectra demonstrated no chemical bond between the drug(s) and polymers. Drug release experiments evidenced a controlled release pattern with no burst effect for nanocapsules containing curcumin and/or methotrexate. The nanoformulation containing curcumin and methotrexate (NCUR/MTX-2) statistically decreased the cell viability of Calu-3. The fluorescence and morphological analyses presented a predominance of early apoptosis and late apoptosis as the main death mechanisms for Calu-3. Conclusions: Curcumin and methotrexate co-loaded nanocapsules can be further used as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating non-small-cell lung cancer.

Simvastatin-Loaded Nanocapsules Reduce TNF-Α Expression in Rat Peritoneum After Infusion of Peritoneal Dialysis Solution

“…In this study, SV-loaded nanocapsules were successfully obtained as nanosuspensions by the interfacial deposition of preformed polymer. This formulation presented a final opalescent bluish aspect due to the Tyndall effect from colloids [23,25]. The mean particle size and PDI value were similar to those previously recorded by photon correlation spectroscopy for other polymeric nanocapsules [26].…”

“…The mean particle size and PDI value were similar to those previously recorded by photon correlation spectroscopy for other polymeric nanocapsules [26]. PDI values close to zero are considered monodisperse and >0.5 indicate heterogeneous dispersion [23]. Zeta potential was also suitable since it was higher than |30 mV|, which is usually considered having sufficient repulsive force to achieve better physical colloidal stability [25].…”

“…Poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanocapsules containing simvastatin (NC-SV) were prepared by interfacial deposition of a preformed polymer [23]. Briefly, 100 mg of PCL (Mw 14,000 g/mol, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) was solvated in acetone (27 mL) in the presence of sorbitan monostearate (Span ® 60, 77 mg), triglycerides of capric/ caprylic acids (MCT, 300 mg), and SV (SV, 200 mg, Mw 418.57 g/mol, lot DK40-1506061, certified by Galena Farmacêutica, Campinas, Brazil).…”

Development and Validation of a Fast and Sensitive Uhplc-Pda Method for the Quantification of Ursolic Acid in Poly(l-Lactic Acid) Nanocapsules

“…Suspension of lipid-core nanocapsules was prepared by interfacial deposition of this preformed polymer, as described by Fessi et al [30,31].…”

Nanoscale Formulations: Incorporating Curcumin into Combination Strategies for the Treatment of Lung Cancer

“…A nanoformulation containing curcumin and methotrexate led to significant cell growth arrest and apoptosis in lung cancer cells. 114 A coencapsulated nanosystem carrying curcumin and cisplatin exhibited greatly enhanced in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects against lung cancer. 115 Jyoti et al prepared inhalable bioresponsive nanoparticles carrying doxorubicin and curcumin that efficiently released drugs after being triggered by enzymolysis.…”