Anticancer Ability Research Articles

Review on the application of ginsenosides and their pharmaceutical preparations in the treatment of breast cancer

Ginsenosides, as the main active ingredients of ginseng, have shown great potential in the treatment of breast cancer. Studies have found that many types of ginsenosides, such as PPD ginsenosides Rh2, Rg3, CK and PPT ginsenosides Rg1, Rg2, have inhibitory effects on breast cancer cells. These components can effectively inhibit the development of breast cancer by directly inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells, inducing apoptosis, enhancing the anticancer ability of NK cells, and remodeling the tumor microenvironment. In addition, the liposome and nanoparticle drug delivery system synthesized by ginsenoside showed great advantages in the application of drug formulations, providing a new strategy for the targeted transportation of antitumor drugs and improving the tumor killing ability. These research results not only provide a new strategy for breast cancer treatment, but also expand the application prospect of ginsenosides in cancer treatment. In the future, with the in-depth research, ginsenosides and their pharmaceutical preparations are expected to play a greater role in the treatment of breast cancer and bring more hope to patients.

A Comprehensive Review on Deep Eutectic Solvents: Their Current Status and Potential for Extracting Active Compounds from Adaptogenic Plants.

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have attracted attention from researchers as novel compounds for extracting active substances because of their negligible toxicity, polarity, and ability to be tailored depending on the experiment. In this review, we discuss deep eutectic solvents as a promising medium for the extraction of adaptogenic compounds. In comparison to traditional methods, extraction with the use of DESs is a great alternative to the excessive usage of harmful organic solvents. It can be conducted in mild conditions, and DESs can be designed with different precursors, enhancing their versatility. Adaptogenic herbs have a long medicinal history, especially in Eastern Asia. They exhibit unique properties through the active compounds in their structures, including saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and alkaloids. Therefore, they demonstrate a wide range of pharmaceutical effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer abilities. Since ancient times, many different adaptogenic herbs have been discovered and are well known, including Panax ginseng, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Schisandra chinensis. Active compounds can be extracted using standard methods, such as hydrolyzation, maceration, and conventional reflux extraction. However, due to the limitations of classical processing technologies, there has been a need to develop new and eco-friendly methods. We focus on the types of solvents, extraction efficiency, properties, and applications of the obtained active compounds. This review highlights the potential of DESs as eco-friendly alternatives for extracting bioactive compounds.

Photocatalytic scaffolds enhance anticancer performances of bacterial consortium AUN

Microbial metabolism and function are regulated by ambient microenvironment, yet no functional microporous materials are known to regulate anticancer activity of complex bacterial systems. Here we show that a simple scaffold-mediated bacterial culture is useful for enhancing the anticancer therapeutic abilities of a microbial consortium designated as AUN and composed of intratumoural bacteria Proteus mirabilis (A-gyo) and purple photosynthetic bacteria Rhodopseudomonas palustris (UN-gyo). Our discovery of the mechanism by which porous scaffolds influence the bacterial activities of AUN will facilitate further designs of artificial scaffold material for effective treatment against drug-resistant, triple-negative breast cancer models. A polydimethylsiloxane composite artificial scaffold encapsulating light-activatable TiO2 particularly enhanced the therapeutic outcomes of AUN in syngeneic and orthotopic models. These strong anticancer efficacies were synergistically expressed in tumours because of the potent oncolytic ability of AUN with the help of various immune cells. AUN administration to canines showed well tolerability in an exploratory study.

Synergistic Therapy of Melanoma by Co-Delivery of Dacarbazine and Ferroptosis-Inducing Ursolic Acid Using Biomimetic Nanoparticles.

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of cancer and is prone to metastasis, making current clinical treatment quite difficult. The usage of the first-line medication dacarbazine (DTIC) for melanoma is limited due to harsh side effects, limited water solubility, and a short half-life. To tackle these disadvantages, polylactic acid-hydroxyacetic acid copolymer nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with dacarbazine and ursolic acid (NPs) were fabricated, which were further encapsulated with a red blood cell membrane (RNPs). MTT, apoptosis assay, wound healing assay, colony formation assay, and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the antitumor effect of NPs and RNPs. Ferroptosis evaluation was implemented using GSH detection and the malondialdehyde assay. We found that RNPs exhibited stability and biosafety in vitro and in vivo and achieved superior anticancer ability against xenograft tumors compared with single agents and NPs, which indicated the synergistic and biomimetic efficacy. Furthermore, ferroptotic activity was observed in RNPs-treated tumor cells, and ferroptosis inhibition could partially rescue melanoma cells from RNPs-induced cell death. Collectively, this study evaluated the potential of RNPs as a novel biomimetic nanomedicine for synergistic melanoma therapy by eliciting ferroptosis in tumor cells with both anticancer activity and biosafety.

Targeted colorectal cancer treatment: In vitro anti-cancer effects of carnosine nanoparticles supported by agar and magnetic iron oxide

The usage of peptides in the colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment promises to be a new anti-cancer therapy with improved treatment efficacy. Carnosine, a natural dipeptide molecule, has been demonstrated to be a potential anti-cancer drug. Nonetheless, it shows an exhibition of high-water solubility and is quickly degraded by carnosinase. Meanwhile, agar and magnetic iron oxide are the most used materials for drug delivery due to some of their advantages such as the low cost and the larger biocompatibility feature. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer ability of agar-encapsulated carnosine nanoparticles (AgCa-NPs) and agar-encapsulated carnosine nanoparticles-coated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (AgCaN-MNPs) in human CRC cells, HCT-116. We evaluated the effects of AgCa-NPs and AgCaN-MNPs with a variety of concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 30, 40, or 50 mM) on HCT-116 cells after 72 h and 96 h by using MTT assay and observation cell morphology. We then analyzed the cell cycle progression and assessed the expression changes of genes related to apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, and angiogenesis after treatment for 96 h. The results showed that AgCa-NPs and AgCaN-MNPs in vitro study decreased HCT-116 cells viability. This effect was attributed to arrest of cell cycle, induction of programmed cell death, and suppression of angiogenesis by AgCa-NPs and AgCaN-MNPs. These findings revealed the antitumor efficacy of AgCa-NPs or AgCaN-MNPs for CRC treatment.

Integrin αV Inhibition by GMI, a Ganoderma Microsporum Immunomodulatory Protein, Abolish Stemness and Migration in EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer Cells Resistant to Osimertinib.

Integrins, the receptors of the extracellular matrix, are critical in the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. GMI, a Ganoderma microsporum immunomodulatory protein, possesses anticancer and antivirus abilities. The object of this study is to investigate the role of GMI in the integrins signaling pathway in lung cancer cells that harbor the EGFR L858R/T790M double mutation and osimertinib-resistance. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and western blot assay were used to investigate the effect of GMI on inhibiting the protein expressions of integrins in H1975 cells. The migration ability and xenograft tumor growth of H1975 were suppressed by GMI. To elucidate the role of the integrin family in lung cancer resistant to osimertinib (AZD-9291, Tagrisso), H1975 cells were used to establish the osimertinib-resistant cells, named H1975/TR cells. The expressions of Integrin αV and stemness markers were much higher in H1975/TR cells than in H1975 cells. GMI suppressed cell viability, tumor spheroid growth, and the expressions of integrin αV and β1 in H1975/TR cells. Furthermore, GMI suppressed the expressions of stemness markers and formation of tumor spheres via blocking integrin αV signaling cascade. This is the first study to reveal the novel function of GMI in constraining cancer stem cells and migration by abolishing the integrin αV-related signaling pathway in EGFR-mutated and osimertinib-resistant lung cancer cells.

A study on anticancer and antioxidant ability of selected brown algae biomass yielded polysaccharide and their chemical and structural properties analysis by FT-IR and NMR analyses

The study was conducted to determine the chemical and structural properties of polysaccharides extracted from the marine macroalgae Nemalion cari-cariense. Furthermore, evaluate the anticancer and free radical scavenging activity of purified N. cari-cariense polysaccharide. Approximately 41.6% (w/w) of crude polysaccharide was extracted from N. cari-cariense macroalgae biomass. After deproteinization, the purified polysaccharide's major chemical composition was found to be 92.6%, with all protein content removed. The purified polysaccharide had ash and moisture % of 23.01% and 4.03%, respectively. The C, H, and N of the test polysaccharide were analyzed using GC-MS, with results of 39.21%, 5.87%, and 4.29%, respectively. Furthermore, this analysis also revealed the monosaccharide composition such as glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, and rhamnose glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, and rhamnose 54.62%, 29.64%, 2.8%, 5.9%, and 6.8% respectively. The molecular weight of purified polysaccharide was found as 49 kDa through PAGE analysis. The FT-IR analysis revealed that the presence of functional groups exactly attributed to polysaccharide and 1H and 13C-NMR analyses confirmed the structural properties of N. cari-cariense polysaccharide. The free radicals scavenging ability of purified N. cari-cariense polysaccharide was investigated by various assays such as total antioxidant assay (22.3%–72.5% at 50–250 μg mL−1), DPPH assay (23.6%–76.9% at 10–160 μg mL−1), OH radical scavenging assay (13.6%–70.2% at 50–250 μg mL−1 dosage, and SO radical scavenging assay (27.6–68.41% at 50–250 μg mL−1 concentration). The polysaccharide demonstrated 82.63% anticancer activity towards the A549 lung cancer cell line at 1000 μg mL−1 dosage. The findings suggest that this polysaccharide has biological applications.

Characterization, in vitro elderly digestion, and organoids cell uptake of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles

Curcumin, a bioactive compound, showed versatile in anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer ability, while their biological fate in elderly is unclear. In this study, curcumin-loaded nanoparticles based on octyl succinate hydrate (OSA) starch and sodium caseinate were prepared and the in vitro elderly digestion and absorption fate was investigated. The loading capacity of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles prepared from OSA starch (HI), sodium caseinate (SC) and OSA starch‑sodium caseinate (HS) were all higher than 15%. Curcumin release behavior of the three nanoparticles during in vitro digestion conformed to first-order kinetics. Meanwhile, the transport efficiency of curcumin for HI, SC, and HS increased significantly than the free curcumin (near 1-fold), and the permeability were 1.9, 2.0, and 2.0 times, respectively. The gene expressions of TNF-α, SREBP2 and NPC1L1 in the organoids were enhanced than control group. This study provided scientific reference and guidance for encapsulation of curcumin and digestion and absorption properties in elderly.

Sorafenib Encapsulated Poly(ester amide) Nanoparticles for Efficient and Biosafe Prostate Cancer Therapy.

Prostate cancer (PCa) with a high incidence worldwide is a serious threat to men's health. Despite the continuous development of treatment strategies for PCa in recent years, the long-term prognosis of patients is still poor. Hence, the discovery and development of novel, secure, and efficient therapeutic approaches hold significant clinical significance. Although sorafenib (SOR) displays potential as a therapeutic option for PCa, its clinical efficacy is hindered by drug resistance, limited water solubility, and rapid metabolism. Therefore, we proposed to prepare nanoparticles (named SOR@8P4 NPs) utilizing the phenylalanine-based poly(ester amide) polymer (8P4) as the drug carrier to enhance the solubility and drug stability of SOR and improve the therapeutic targeting and bioavailability. SOR@8P4 NPs had high stability and showed acid-responsive drug release at the acidic tumor microenvironment. Additionally, SOR@8P4 NPs demonstrated more remarkable anticancer, antimetastatic, and antiproliferative abilities in vitro, compared with those of free drugs. SOR@8P4 NPs showed high tumor targeting and significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. In summary, the drug delivery system of SOR@8P4 NPs provides new ideas for the clinical treatment of PCa.

Structure-bioactivity relationship study on anticancer Pd and Pt complexes with aliphatic glycine derivative ligands

To investigate the structure and bioactivity relationship, six Pd(II)/Pt(II) complexes with N-isobutylglycine (L1) and cyclohexylglycine (L2) as N^O amino acid bidentate ligands, 1,10′-phenanthroline (phen) and 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy) as N^N donor ligands, and [Pd(L1)(bipy)]NO3 (1), [Pd(L2)(bipy)]NO3 (2), [Pd(L1)(phen)]NO3 (3), [Pd(L2)(phen)]NO3·2H2O (4), [Pt(L1)(phen)]NO3 (5), along with [Pt(L2)(phen)]NO3 (6) were prepared and then characterized. The geometry of each compound was validated by doing a DFT calculation. Furthermore, tests were conducted on the complexes’ water solubilities and lipophilicity. All bipy complexes had superior aqueous solubility and less lipophilicity in comparison with phen complexes, as well as complexes containing cyclohexyl-glycine compared to isobutyl-glycine complexes, probably because of the steric effects and polarity of cyclohexylglycine. The in-vitro anticancer activities of these compounds were examined against HCT116, A549, and MCF7 cancerous cell lines. Data revealed that all Pd/Pt complexes demonstrate higher anticancer activity than carboplatin, and complexes 3 and 4 are more cytotoxic than cisplatin against the HCT116 cell line, particularly against MCF7 cancerous cells. In addition, among all compounds, complex 4 has more anticancer ability than oxaliplatin. Due to different solubility and lipophilicity behavior, the accumulation of Pt complexes and clinical Pt drugs in each cancerous cell was investigated. The binding capabilities of these complexes to DNA, as the main target in chemotherapy, occur through minor grooves and intercalate into DNA, which was done using absorption, fluorescence, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Finally, the docking simulation study showed the mode of DNA bindings is in good agreement with the spectral binding data.

Evaluating The Cytotoxic Activity of Lactobacillus plantarum IIA-1A5 Against MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells and Identifying Its Surface Layer Protein Gene

Breast cancer is a serious global health concern, with a high mortality rate worldwide. Using natural compounds as potential cancer therapies is a promising approach to address this issue. Previous research has shown that probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and their metabolites, such as surface layer protein (slp), have a positive impact on a variety of health disorders, including cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of Lactobacillus plantarum IIA-1A5 to suppress the growth of the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and detect the presence of the slp gene. Intracellular and extracellular protein fractions were isolated from L. plantarum IIA-1A5 cultures. The protein concentrations and molecular weights of the extracts were measured. The anticancer activity of the extracts was assessed using the MTT cytotoxicity test, and IC50 values were calculated. The slp gene was identified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and nucleotide sequencing. The results demonstrated that L. plantarum IIA-1A5 had a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on MCF-7 breast cancer cells, with IC50 values of 6.831 and 12.35 μg/mL for intracellular extracts and extracellular extracts, respectively. Additionally, PCR amplification and nucleotide sequencing confirmed the presence of the slp gene, which may contribute to the strain’s anticancer abilities. These findings suggest the potential of L. plantarum IIA-1A5 as a natural anticancer agent against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of L. plantarum IIA-1A5 in breast cancer treatment.

Anticancer Activity and Green Synthesized TiO2 Nanoparticles From Calotropis Gigantea Leaves Extract

Abstract: Aim & Objective: Research the Anticancer Abilities of TiO2 Nanoparticles Obtain using Calotropis Gigantea by liver cells (HepG2). Materials & Methods: Various plant materials for the synthesis of nanoparticles are considered in green technology. In this present study, reports the synthesis of Tio2 nanoparticles that were synthesized from Calotropis gigantea leaf, and the formation of Tio2 nanoparticles was observed with different time intervals. The characterization was recorded from scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transfer infrared spectra, DLS, UV-Vis spectrum. The supporting green synthesis and characterization of Tio2 nanoparticles. Result: The result is recorded from MTT assay and ETBR/AO Staining.

Synthesis and SAR investigation of biphenylaminoquinoline derivatives with benzyloxy substituents as promising anticancer agents.

The biphenyl scaffold represents a prominent privileged structure within the realms of organic chemistry and drug development. Biphenyl derivatives have demonstrated notable biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, and the treatment of neuropathic pain. Importantly, their anticancer abilities should not be underestimated. In this context, the present study involves the design and synthesis of a series of biphenyl derivatives featuring an additional privileged structure, namely the quinoline core. We have also diversified the substituents attached to the benzyloxy group at either the meta or para position of the biphenyl ring categorized into two distinct groups: [4,3']biphenylaminoquinoline-substituted and [3,3']biphenylaminoquinoline-substituted compounds. We embarked on an assessment of the cytotoxic activities of these derivatives in colorectal cancer cell line SW480 and prostate cancer cell line DU145 for exploring the structure-activity relationship. Furthermore, we determined the IC50 values of selected compounds that exhibited superior inhibitory effects on cell viability against SW480, DU145 cells, as well as MDA-MB-231 and MiaPaCa-2 cells. Notably, [3,3']biphenylaminoquinoline derivative 7j displayed the most potent cytotoxicity against these four cancer cell lines, SW480, DU145, MDA-MB-231, and MiaPaCa-2, with IC50 values of 1.05 μM, 0.98 μM, 0.38 μM, and 0.17 μM, respectively. This highly promising outcome underscores the potential of [3,3']biphenylaminoquinoline 7j for further investigation as a prospective anticancer agent in future research endeavors.

Comparative analysis of sorafenib and lenvatinib on HepG2 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells: Involvement of transforming growth factor-β signaling in their molecular effects.

This study aimed to compare the effects of the molecular targeted drugs,sorafenib and lenvatinib, on the survival, invasion, and angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Additionally, we investigated the involvement oftransforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling in their molecular mechanisms. To investigate the effects of sorafenib and lenvatinib, we conducted cell viability, invasion, and angiogenesis assays, as well as western blotting analyses. In human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2), sorafenib demonstrated potent inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, but induced cell invasion similar to TGF-β. In contrast, lenvatinib showed weaker cytotoxicity compared with sorafenib, but suppressed cell invasion induced by TGF-β. The actions of these two molecular targeted drugs were suggested to involve the regulation of the TGFβR2/ERK pathway. Moreover, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, Sorafenib showed weaker cytotoxicity and enhanced the effects of TGF-β on angiogenesis. Conversely, lenvatinib showed potent cytotoxic abilities and suppressed angiogenesis induced by TGF-β. The actions of these two molecular targeted drugs were suggested to involve the regulation of the crosstalk between TGF-β signaling and vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. Our findings indicate that both sorafenib and lenvatinib possess anticancer abilities by inducing the cytotoxicity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Furthermore, they show opposing effects on TGF-β-induced cell invasion and angiogenesis, thereby enhancing the understanding of the multifaceted functions of molecular targeted drugs in treating hepatocellular carcinoma.

Discovery, synthesis, and anti-cancer evaluation of 10-Pterostilbene methylamine hydrochloride derivatives as potential COX-2 and Topo I dual inhibitors

A series of (E)-N-benzyl-1-(2, 4-dimethoxy-6-(4 methoxystyryl) phenyl) methanamine (DMPM) derivatives (D1-D25) were successfully synthesized in the form of hydrochloride, and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The structure of D15 was further confirmed by X-ray single crystal diffraction, where D15 existed in the form of a dimer constructed by intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the active hydrogen of –NH2+− and Cl−, and the –CH=CH– in the molecule was identified as E configuration. Compounds were evaluated for their anti-cancer properties toward HepG2, Eac-109 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines in vitro. Meanwhile, bioactive compound's toxicity against L02 cell lines were also tested. Sixteen compounds (D2, D5-D8, D10, D13, D16-D23, and D25) exhibited significant cytotoxicity against tested cancer cells with IC50 values ranging from 4.13 to 36.77 μM/L. Their toxicity toward normal human liver cells was lower than that of Cisplatin. Among them, D10, D20 and D25 showed more potent anti-cancer abilities than others. Especially, D20 manifested anti-cancer effects comparable to Cisplatin on all tested cancer cell lines. SAR revealed that –OCH2CH(CH3)2 or –O(CH2)3CH3 substitution (R1) on the benzene ring of Pterostilbene is key factors in enhancing biological activities, while –OCH3, –Cl or –F substitution (R2) on another benzene ring is beneficial for improving anti-cancer abilities, and –OCH3 may be the most favorable modifying groups for enhancing skeleton's activities. Bioactive compounds displayed excellent inhibitory effects on COX-2 at nanomolar concentrations. D20 (IC50 (COX-2) = 69.92 nm/L) was identified as the most promising COX-2 inhibitor, meanwhile, it also exhibited significant Topo I inhibitory ability at 20 μM/L. In addition, D20 effectively docked to COX-2 (PDB: 5KIR) and Topo I protein (PDB: 1TBI) with affinity of -9.0 and -5.7 kcal/mol, respectively. As a potential COX-2 and Topo I dual inhibitor, D20 induced ROS-mediate mitochondria dysfunction and altered the expression of apoptosis related proteins such as Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase3/9, and P53, leading to significant apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Moreover, D20 markedly up-regulated P21, reduced the level of CDK4 or Cyclin D1, and caused G1 phase arrest on HepG2 cancer cell lines.

Synthesis, structural, multitargeted molecular docking analysis of anti-cancer, anti-tubercular, DNA interactions of benzotriazole based macrocyclic ligand

Biologically important macromolecule 1, 1′, 3, 3′ Bis − [2,3,5,6-Tetramethyl-p-phenylenebis(methylene)] dibenzotriazlinium dibromide hydrate (BTD) was synthesized and characterized using FT-IR, NMR and single-crystal XRD (SCXRD). SCXRD revealed that the compound was crystallized as a monoclinic system and associated through weak intermolecular interactions like H-bonding and π- π stacking interactions. These weak intermolecular interactions in BTD were studied using Crystal Explorer and Gaussian. The calculated energies for the Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and the Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) showed the stability and reactivity of the title compound. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surface analysis was used to investigate the crystal’s nucleophilic and electrophilic reactive sites. The molecular shape and intermolecular interactions in the crystal structure were determined using Hirshfeld surface analysis and fingerprint plots. Anticancer, anti-bacterial and DNA binding ability of BTD were investigated by experimental and theoretical techniques. The obtained results suggest that BTD possesses better anti-cancer, anti-bacterial and DNA binding abilities. The mode of action of antibiotic and anticancer approach was discussed. This provides promising therapeutic advantages for further development.

Evaluation of Anticancer Activity and Structural Analysis of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Centella Asiatica

Introduction: The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from an ethanolic extract of Centella asiatica leaf, which exhibits anticancer characteristics, was investigated in this study. Green synthesis, a non-harmful procedure for the environment, aids in the production of nanoparticles from Centella asiatica extract. Centella asiatica has long been regarded to have beneficial properties for neurological function, anti-inflammation, and wound treatment. Objective: FT-IR, GC-MS, and thin-layer chromatography were used to find the phytochemicals present in the extract, and the anti-cancer abilities of the nanoparticles were tested against the PC3 cell line. Methods: Soxhlet extraction is used to extract the bioactive, and then nanoparticles are synthesised. Following that, they are subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis and thin-layer chromatography. These can assess the presence or absence of phytochemicals. Soon after, GCMS is done to reveal the molecular weight of the bioactive compounds using the charge-to-mass ratio. The structural peaks of different functional groups were identified using FT-IR. Under different concentrations, the silver nanoparticles were portrayed against the PC3 cell line of prostate cancer. Result: The concentration of silver nanoparticles was shown to negatively affect cell viability. The IC50 value was 11.8 µg/ml, showing that the inhibition of growth increased with increasing doses of the AgNPs. Conclusion: Our study highlights the significance of green synthesis of AgNPs from Centella asiatica extract, with bioactive compounds identified using GC-MS showing potential as anticancer agents against PC3 cells, suggesting a promising avenue for cancer therapy.

The Potential of Natural Carotenoids-Containing Sericin of the Domestic Silkworm Bombyx mori.

Sericin derived from the white cocoon of Bombyx mori has been attracting more attention for its utilization in food, cosmetics, and biomedicine. The potential health benefits of natural carotenoids for humans have also been well-established. Some rare strains of Bombyx mori (B. mori) produce yellow-red cocoons, which endow a potential of natural carotenoid-containing sericin. We hypothesized that natural carotenoid-containing sericin from yellow-red cocoons would exhibit better properties compared with white cocoon sericin. To investigate the physicochemical attributes of natural carotenoid-containing sericin, we bred two silkworm strains from one common ancestor, namely XS7 and XS8, which exhibited different cocoon colors as a result of the inconsistent distribution of lutein and β-carotene. Compared with white cocoon sericin, the interaction between carotenoids and sericin molecules in carotenoid-containing sericin resulted in a unique fluorescence emission at 530, 564 nm. The incorporation of carotenoids enhanced the antibacterial effect, anti-cancer ability, cytocompatibility, and antioxidant of sericin, suggesting potential wide-ranging applications of natural carotenoid-containing sericin as a biomass material. We also found differences in fluorescence characteristics, antimicrobial effects, anti-cancer ability, and antioxidants between XS7 and XS8 sericin. Our work for the first time suggested a better application potential of natural carotenoid-containing sericin as a biomass material than frequently used white cocoon sericin.

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs based on Zinc(II) picoline complexes: Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of antiproliferative effects against human breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-453 cells by inducing ROS-mediated apoptosis and down-regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

This work aims to synthesize zinc(II) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory complexes and to evaluate their anticancer abilities on different cancer cell lines. In this context, four new zinc(II) complexes including the NSAIDs mefenamic acid or niflumic acid and picoline derivatives {[Zn2(μ-mef)3(3-pic)2] 1, [Zn3(μ-mef)6(2-pic)2] 2, [Zn3(μ-mef)6(4-pic)2] 3 and [Zn(nif)2(4-pic)2]} 4 were synthesized. The molecular structures were identified by elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1H NMR (complexes 2 and 3), UV–Vis, thermal analysis, and X-ray diffraction (complexes 1 and 4), indicating that one complex was mononuclear, one complex was binuclear, and two complexes were trinuclear. The deprotonated mefenamato ligands bind to the zinc(II) ion via carboxylate oxygen atoms and chelate in a bridging bidentate asymmetric form. The deprotonated niflumato ligand acts as a monodentate ligand. UV–Vis spectroscopy was used to assess the complexes' stability. The stoichiometry of the synthesized complexes was determined by 1H NMR and thermal studies. XTT assays showed that all complexes exhibited dose-dependent antiproliferative effects against breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-453 cells, colon cancer HT-29 cells, and lung cancer A549 cells. The highest cytotoxicity was exhibited by complex 3 against MDA-MB-453 cells with an IC50 value of 8.28 µM. The mechanistic studies performed by flow cytometry revealed that complex 3 exerted its in vitro anticancer activity against MDA-MB-43 cells by inducing apoptosis, increasing ROS production, and inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Polysuccinimide-based nanoparticle: A nanocarrier with drug release delay and zero burst release properties for effective theranostics of cancer

We have developed a novel pH-responsive delivery system consisting of oleylamine-modified polysuccinimide (PSI) nanoparticles (NPs) whereby NPs remained stable and started to release bioactive agents after 8.5 h with maximal release acquired after 36 h under physiological pH. Our NPs did not exhibit any burst release of drug, which is a key advantage in anti-cancer targeted drug delivery system. Here, the NPs function as a carrier for bioactive agents such as Curcumin and IR-780 dye whereby the former exerts its intrinsic anti-cancer abilities, the latter confers photothermal treatment application and bimodal imaging ability using photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging. In vitro and in vivo results establish that administration of folate receptors targeting PSI-NPs in U87MG model effected in a substantial decrease in tumour and photothermal laser exposure at 808 nm further ablated tumours to an almost total eradication. Our dual loaded targeted NPs demonstrated selectivity through enhanced accumulation and retention in tumours as indicated by multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) and fluorescence imaging (FI). Loading of Curcumin and IR-780 into PSI-NPs improved its bioavailability, allowing Curcumin to be administered into the circulation system and retention in tumours which led to the simultaneous application for a successful targeted, synergistic photothermal treatment and bimodal imaging using MSOT and FI.