Encapsulation of Quercetin in a Mixed Nanomicellar System to Enhance its Cytotoxicity against Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract

The therapeutic potential of quercetin-loaded Pluronic F-127 (PF-127)/Tween 80 mixed nanomicelles as a passive targeted drug delivery system for breast cancer therapy is evaluated. Quercetin-loaded mixed nanomicelles with different mass ratios of drug/PF-127/Tween 80 were prepared by thin-film hydration method. The physical interactions of quercetin with PF-127 and Tween 80 in an optimal ratio were investigated. The results of in vitro drug release experiments showed that the mixed micellar system exhibits a prolonged and sustained release behavior compared to the solution of free quercetin. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies of quercetin-loaded mixed nanomicelles on breast cancer cells revealed that the encapsulated drug has a lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) value compared to the free drug.

Design of Chitosan-Coated, Quercetin-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles for Enhanced PSMA-Specific Activity on LnCap Prostate Cancer Cells

“…However, after 72 h, there was a maximum cumulative release of only 7% in acidic pH, indicating a much lower bioavailability than what we measured (65% at 72 h). Li and team [ 74 ] have reported on a pegylated nanoliposomal system with 8.5% drug loading that displayed a sustained release pattern with a much more favorable maximum release, while the similar sustained and maximum cumulative release was recorded by Davarnejad and co-workers [ 75 ] who used mixed nanomicelles with a relatively low drug loading of 2.3%. However, these systems were tested at pH 7.4, modeling the release in normal physiological pH, but no information can be extrapolated about the release in the characteristically acidic pH of the tumor microenvironment.…”

Integrating natural compounds and nanoparticle‐based drug delivery systems: A novel strategy for enhanced efficacy and selectivity in cancer therapy

“…The outcomes of drug release experiments conducted in a laboratory indicated that the mixed micellar system demonstrates a more extended and consistent release pattern when compared to the free quercetin solution. Besides, it exhibited a lower half‐maximal IC50 than the free drug 107 …”

“…Besides, it exhibited a lower half-maximal IC50 than the free drug. 107 Nanoparticles can take a role in improving the administration of quercetin by enhancing its uptake within cancer cells. Nanocarriers can be engineered with surface modifications that facilitate specific interactions with cancer cell receptors, promoting efficient uptake of quercetin.…”