Enhanced antitumor efficacy of resveratrol-loaded nanocapsules in colon cancer cells: physicochemical and biological characterization

M. Feng, L.-X. Zhong, Z.-Y. Zhan, Z.-H. Huang, J.-P. Xiong

Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R. China. xiongjianping36@hotmail.com

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• Pharmacology

OBJECTIVE: The aim of present work was to prepare resveratrol-loaded lipid-core-nanocapsule (RSV-LNC) and to characterize its ability to target the colon cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The lipid-core nanocapsule was prepared by precipitation method. The nanoparticle was prepared and evaluated regarding physical, chemical and biological parameters.

RESULTS: The average size of optimized nanocapsule was ~159 nm with a uniform size distribution index of 0.15 (PDI). The RSV-LNC showed a controlled and sustained release pattern with maximum release up to ~70% by the end of 48h study period. LNC showed an excellent cellular uptake potential. LNC showed a typical endocytosis-mediated cellular internalization process and located in the cell cytoplasm.

DISCUSSION: Importantly, RSV encapsulated in a nanocapsule showed a superior anticancer effect in HT29 cancer cells than compared to that of free RSV. Consistently, RSV-LNC showed a remarkable ~36% of cell apoptosis indicating its superior anticancer effect.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on the in vitro studies, RSV encapsulated in a nanocapsule showed promising potential to increase the therapeutic efficacy in colon cancer cells; however, further studies on animal models are warranted to confirm the improved effects of RSV nanoformulations.

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