Preparation of the Myricetin‐Loaded PEGylated Niosomes and Evaluation of their in vitro Anti‐Cancer Potentials

Abstract

Several edible plants contain flavonoids, including myricetin (Myr), which perform a wide range of biological activities. Myr has antitumor properties against various tumor cells. In this study Myr‐loaded PEGylated niosomes (Myr‐PN) were prepared and their anti‐cancer activities were evaluated in vitro. Myr‐PNs were prepared as a tool for drug delivery to the tumor site. Myr‐PN was characterized in terms of size, zeta potential, and functional groups using dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Myr‐PN size was 241 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.20, and zeta potential −32.7±6.6 mV. Apoptotic properties of Myr‐PN against normal and cancer cell lines were determined by flow cytometry and real‐time quantitative PCR. Cancer cells showed higher cytotoxicity when treated with Myr‐PN compared with normal cells, indicating that the synthesized nanoparticles pose no adverse effects. Apoptosis was induced in cells treated with 250 μg/mL of Myr‐PN, in which 45.2 % of cells were arrested in subG1, suggesting that Myr‐PN can induce apoptosis. In vitro, the synthesized Myr‐PN demonstrated potent anticancer properties. Furthermore, more research should be conducted in vitro and in vivo to study the more details of Myr‐PN anti‐cancer effects.