Comparative studies develop new liposomal and micellar formulations to improve bioavailability and cytotoxicity in cancer therapy.
Key Points
This study aims to compare the physicochemical and biological properties of liposomal and polymeric micellar formulations of a fluorinated curcumin derivative and naringenin.
Prepared soluplus®-based polymeric micelles and POPC:DOTAP liposomes using thin-film hydration method.
Characterized formulations through dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurements, HPLC, and NMR.
Conducted in vitro cytotoxicity assays against bladder and prostate cancer cell lines and normal fibroblasts.
Polymeric micelles had a particle size below 95 nm and negative zeta potential (~−3 mV), while liposomes were larger (>130 nm) and positively charged (>+40 mV).
Encapsulation efficiencies were high: >72% for fluorinated curcumin and >95% for naringenin.
Cytotoxicity studies showed mixed liposomes and fluorinated curcumin had the highest cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines compared to free compounds.