Encapsulation of irinotecan, as anti-cancer drug, in βLG nanoparticles: in vitro cytotoxicity and docking studies

Beta-lactoglobulin (βLG) is a member of the lipocalin family, whose general function appears to be solubilizing and transport of hydrophobic molecules. Since bound drug might be protected in acidic stomach and later be released within the basic small intestine, in this study the potential of βLG as a nanocarrier for oral delivery of a potent agent in colorectal cancer treatment, irinotecan, was evaluated. Based on the results obtained from docking simulation of irinotecan-βLG complex, there are two distinct binding sites in this nanocarrier. Cytotoxicity of this nanocarrier upon the cancer cell line of HT-22 and AGS was measured by MTT assay. The cytotoxicity experiment showed that the nanoparticles were more effective than pure irinotecan.

کلیدواژه ها:

Beta-lactoglobulin (βLG) ، Cell viability ، Irinotecan