Encapsulation of 5-Flurouracil into PLGA Nanofibers and Enhanced Anticancer Effect in Combination with Ajwa-Dates-Extract (Phoenix dactylifera L.).

Abstract

Side effects connected with chemotherapeutic agents used in cancer treatment has led to alternative modalities of combinatorial therapies in an attempt to reduce the drug dosage and associated risks. In the current study we evaluated the potential use of Ajwa Dates Extract (ADE), reported to have anti-cancer effects, as an adjuvant therapy in combination with 5-flurouracil (5FU) against the human-breast-adenocarcinoma cell line (MFC-7) in vitro. The effects of ADE alone and in combination with 5-FU were evaluated in terms of cell viability and cytotoxicity. For drug delivery purpose, we successfully encapsulated 5FU in both presence and absence of ADE through electrospinning together with poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) in different combinations. Physicochemical properties of 5FU and ADE incorporated into PLGA nanofibers remained unaltered as confirmed by Fourier-Transform-Infrared (FTIR), Raman-spectroscopies and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques. The morphological characterization of nanofibers was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The surface roughness of PLGA and PLGA + ADE nanofibers increased by incorporation of 5FU. PLGA + ADE nanofibers were in hydrophilic range (<90°) while nanofibers prepared from both PLGA + 5FU and PLGA + 5FU + ADE combinations were in hydrophobic range (∼112°). The percentage inhibition of MCF-7 proliferation at 72 hrs showed an enhanced combinatorial anti-cancer effect of 5FU and ADE on the cells seeded on PLGA + 5FU + ADE mat (47% decrease) while PLGA + 5FU and PLGA + ADE demonstrated only 23% and 16% decrease respectively as compared to controls. The hydrophobicity induced by 5FU can further be investigated to get improved cellular adherence and efficient controlled-drug-release.

• Authors: Fazal Khan, Musab Aldhahri, Mohammad Asif Hussain, Kalamegam Gauthaman, Adnan Memic, Adel Abuzenadah, Taha Kumosani, Elie Barbour, Nazeeh Shuja Alothmany, Rabah Wasil Aldhaheri
• Journal: Journal of biomedical nanotechnology (J Biomed Nanotechnol) Vol. 14 Issue 3 Pg. 553-563 (Mar 01 2018) ISSN: 1550-7033 [Print] United States
• PMID: 29663927 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Glycols
• Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer

Topics

• Glycols
• Humans
• Nanofibers
• Phoeniceae
• Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer