Quercetin encapsulated nanocarriers: effects on breast cancer cell growth, apoptosis, and uptake in vitro and bioavailability in vivo

Abstract

BackgroundQuercetin, a natural flavonoid, has a potential against many breast cancer cells, but its low solubility and bioavailability in the body make administering it in therapeutic dose unrealistic. We have successfully synthesized quercetin encapsulated nanocarriers (NanoQ). Our hypothesis is that NanoQ can enhance quercetin stability and solubility, increase quercetin bioavailability in vitro and in vivo, decrease the viability of breast cancer cells, and induce their apoptosis.MethodsThe stability, solubility and cellular uptake of quercetin in MCF7 and MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells were measured using a high performance liquid chromatography system. The viability and apoptosis of breast cancer cells were measured using a 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and Annexin‐V/propidium iodide assay, respectively. The pharmacokinetics of NanoQ was measured in SD rats.ResultsNanoQ were about 30 nm in diameter. Nanoencapsulation significantly increased the stability and solubility of quercetin, and increased quercetin cellular content 3.9 times and 9.3 times in MCF7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells, respectively. NanoQ also significantly lowered the viability of both breast cancer cells and induced their apoptosis as compared to free quercetin at the same concentrations.ConclusionNanoQ is a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.Grant Funding Source: TTU research incentive funding