Curcumin loaded hyaluronan modified niosomes: Preparation, characterization and anti-cancer activity on triple-negative breast cancer cells

Abstract

Curcumin is a herbal polyphenolic compound with anti-cancer properties, but its low solubility, stability and bioavailability limit its therapeutic potential. In this study, we developed niosomes, nanosized vesicles composed of tween 80, Sorbitan monostearate, cholesterol and hyaluronan, as a novel delivery system for curcumin. The curcumin-loaded hyaluronan modified niosomes (cur-nio) were prepared by thin-film hydration method and characterized for their morphology, zeta potential, particle size and in vitro drug release. The anti-cancer activity and apoptotic effect of cur-nio were evaluated on MDA-MB-231 cell line by MTT assay, Real time PCR and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Moreover, migration and invasion phenotypes of cells were determined by transwell assays and wound healing assays. We were also interested in determining cur-nio effects on tumorigenicity of MDA-MB-231 cells by mammosphere formation assay. The results showed that the cur-nio had a spherical shape, a negative charge, a mean diameter of about 251 ± 7.14 nm and a high encapsulation efficiency of about 97.96 ± 0.55. The cur-nio exhibited a sustained release profile of curcumin. The cur-nio showed significant inhibition of cell viability and induction the expression of essential apoptotic genes compared to free curcumin and blank niosomes. The IC50 value of cur-nio was about 30 μM, which was approximately 2 times lower than that of free curcumin. Also, our results showed that cur-nio significantly inhibits cell migration, invasion, mammosphere formation and proliferation rate in vitro.These findings suggest that niosomes are a promising carrier for enhancing the delivery and efficacy of curcumin in cancer therapy.