Galloyl-oligochitosan nano-vehicles for effective and controlled propolis delivery targeting upgrading its antioxidant and antiproliferative potential

Abstract

A new conjugate, galloyl-oligochitosan nanoparticles (GOCNPs), was fabricated and used as nano-vehicle for effective and controlled delivery of propolis extract (PE) in the form of PE#GOCNPs, targeting improving its pharmaceutical potential. H-bonding interactions between the carboxyl, amino, and hydroxyl groups of the GOCNPs and PE resulted in successful encapsulation, with an entrapment efficacy of 97.3 %. The PE#GOCNPs formulation also exhibited excellent physicochemical stability and time-triggered drug release characteristics under physiological conditions. Furthermore, PE#GOCNPs showed significant activity against MCF-7 and HEPG2 carcinoma cells by scavenging free oxygen radicals and upregulating antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, PE#GOCNPs displayed anti-inflammatory properties by increasing IL10 and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines more effectively than celecoxib. Furthermore, PE#GOCNPs reduced the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and survivin genes. Furthermore, the encapsulated PE demonstrated significant activity in suppressing sonic hedgehog protein (SHH). The use of GOCNPs in combination with propolis presents a promising new strategy for chemotherapy with reduced toxicity and enhanced biocompatibility. This novel approach has the potential to revolutionize the field of chemotherapy. Future studies should focus on the application of the encapsulated PE in various cancer cell lines, distinct gene expression factors, and cell cycles.