Featured Publication 4:

Chitosan-Coated Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Nanoparticles Loaded with Ursolic Acid for Breast Cancer Therapy

Journal: ACS Applied Nano Materials, 2024

Key Finding: This study focused on Ursolic Acid (UA), a potent natural anti-cancer compound whose clinical use is limited by poor water solubility. By encapsulating UA in our chitosan-coated PLGA nanoparticles, we unlocked its therapeutic power against two different breast cancer cell lines. Key findings include:

• Dramatically Increased Potency: Our encapsulated UA was significantly more cytotoxic to cancer cells. It reduced the concentration required to inhibit 50% of cancer cell growth (IC₅₀) by nearly

4x in MCF-7 cells (from 90.25 µM down to 26.74 µM) and by over 2x in aggressive MDA-MB-231 cells (from 85.63 µM down to 40.67 µM).

• Enhanced Cancer Cell Death: The (UA)-PLGA/CS nanoparticles induced a significantly higher rate of apoptosis (programmed cell death) in breast cancer cells compared to free, unencapsulated UA.
• Inhibition of Metastasis: Our formulation significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of highly aggressive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, a critical factor in preventing the spread of cancer.

Business Implication: This research is a clear and powerful demonstration of our ability to solve the fundamental challenge of drug solubility and bioavailability. We can take a known, high-potential natural compound like Ursolic Acid and transform it into a highly effective therapeutic agent with enhanced anti-cancer and anti-metastatic properties. This capability is invaluable for partners in the pharmaceutical and natural health sectors looking to develop novel and effective oncology treatments.

Full article please check  https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.3c06161