Synthesis of SLN Nanoparticles Containing Naringenin Decorated with Folate-Conjugated Chitosan to Evaluate its Anticancer Effects

Background: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have shown promise as nanocarriers for cancer therapy, with the ability to be surface-modified with ligands such as transferrin and folic acid(FA) for targeting specific receptors on cancer cells. Objective: This study aimed to encapsulate naringenin (NRG) in lipid nanoparticles and investigate the toxic effects of SLNs containing NRG compared to surface-modified nanoparticles with chitosan–folate and free drugs. Materials and Methods: Nanoparticles composed of SLN and NRG were coated with folate–chitosan, and their physical and chemical properties were evaluated using dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared, and electron microscopy. Drug encapsulation and folate binding were measured using the spectrophotometric absorption method. The toxicity and inhibitory pathways in cancer cells were examined. Results: The results of this investigation revealed a higher toxic effect of chitosan–folate–coated nanoparticles on breast cancer cells, which may be attributed to the transfer and internalization of nanoparticles into breast cancer cells as they possess positive folate receptors. Evaluation of the effects of nanoparticles on angiogenesis using the chorioallantoic membrane method demonstrated a decrease in the average number and length of blood vessels, as well as a decrease in embryo height and weight. Increased expression of P53, decreased expression of nuclear factor kappa B, and the results of acridine orange/propidium iodide staining, along with an increased level of reactive oxygen species in cells treated with nanoparticles, confirmed the induction of apoptosis by nanoparticles. The antibacterial test results also confirmed the inhibitory effects of nanoparticles on various strains of bacteria. Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of nanoparticle-based treatments in preclinical research and demonstrate their effectiveness in suppressing cancer cell activity and combating bacterial strains.