Microencapsulation of Extracts from Corn Hair: A Study on Drug Release and Anticancer Activity

Prajakta Kulkarni,Mahesh Dere,Ayesha Khan,Madhumita Tawre

doi:10.11648/j.jddmc.20210701.13

Abstract

Corn silk contain inherently substantial flavonoid that contribute to its antioxidant and anticancer activity. The objective of the present study was to fabricate a system for efficient delivery of the anticancer compounds using microencapsulation technique. Methanolic corn silk extract was microencapsulated in the polymer Poly (d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) – PLGA using the solvent extraction method. The physicochemical properties such as size, morphology and physical state of free and encapsulated microparticles were measured by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The in vitro release of compounds were studied and quantified using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Spherical and relatively small (d=485.9) polymeric microparticles were obtained containing flavonoids with encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 60.66%. In vitro release profile exhibit a slow, sustained release and follows the first order kinetic with release rate 3.34 x 10-3 m-1s-1. The release characteristics data showed that the drug is released from the microsphere even after 108 h. For in vitro cell-based assays, the MTT cell viability assay was performed on HeLa, NIH 3T3 cell lines while cellular uptake of the drug was studied using fluorescence microscopy. Fluorescence studies confirm drug uptake by the cells within 24 h of treatment. For confirmation of mode of cell death Flow Cytometry and DNA ladder assay was performed. The blank polymeric microparticles were non-toxic to cell while, the drug loaded microparticles exhibit apoptic cell death. Thus an efficient delivery system is achieved after encapsulation, that provides protection and controlled release of the bioactive compounds.

Highlights

Cancer is a heterogeneous disease triggered by irreversible impairment of cellular homeostasis and function
Our result showed that cells were healthy and no decrease in the cell numbers was observed in the control cells, cells treated with phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and cells treated with empty Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles
Polymeric microparticles prepared by solvent extraction technique using non chlorinated solvent were used to encapsulate, protect and release the bioactive compound extracted from corn hair

Summary

Introduction

Cancer is a heterogeneous disease triggered by irreversible impairment of cellular homeostasis and function. The uncontrolled cell growth and differentiation along with loss of apoptotic functions lead to massive expansion in neoplastic cells populations [1, 2]. Internal factors such as lack of apoptic function, genetic mutations, oxidative stress and hypoxia, while excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays radiations, population, smoking and stress are the external factors [3]. Radiation therapy has a number of potential harmful side effects such as weakened resistance to other diseases and the potential to be carcinogenic itself [9]. There are increasing numbers of studies on the identification of novel sources of bioactive compound to prevent cancer.

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Conclusion