Investigation of characterization and cytotoxic effect of PEGylated nanoliposomal containing Melphalan on ovarian cancer: an in vitro study

Abstract

This study aimed to synthesize Melphalan (MEL)-loaded PEGylated nanoliposomes and evaluate their cytotoxic effects on ovarian cancer A2780CP and SKOV3 cells. For this purpose, MEL-loaded PEGylated nanoliposomes were prepared by the reverse-phase evaporation method. They were then characterized, and the results showed that the size, size distribution, and zeta potential of the nanoformulation were 129.1 ± 5.5 nm, 0.240 ± 0.13, and −18.9  0.31 mv, respectively. Also, the encapsulation and loading efficiencies of MEL in the nanoparticles were determined to be 98.3 ± 2.1% and 5.2 ± 1.3%, respectively. Also, the drug release pattern was evaluated using a dialysis bag method, and the results demonstrated that 20.5% of MEL was released after 48 h from the nanoparticles, which was 2.7-fold slower compared to when the standard drug was used. In addition, the effects of the standard drug and nanoformulation on cell viability was assessed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and the results showed that nanoformulation had 1.4-fold more toxicity than the standard drug. Moreover, the extent of apoptosis was investigated using the Annexin- propidium iodide kit and flow cytometry method. The results showed that MEL-loaded PEGylated nanoliposomes increased the apoptotic cells compared to the control group.