Dacarbazine-encapsulated solid lipid nanoparticles for skin cancer: physical characterization, stability, in-vivo activity, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry

Abstract

BackgroundThis study examined the use of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to administer Dacarbazine (DTIC) to skin melanoma cells with minimal adverse effects. Melanoma is a tricky skin cancer to cure, and standard chemotherapy has many negative effects. Encapsulating DTIC in SLNs may allow the drug to target melanoma cells without harming healthy cells. The study developed and tested DTIC-loaded SLNs for skin melanoma treatment.MethodsThis study encapsulated Dacarbazine (DTIC) in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). SLNs with reversed micelles were produced utilizing specified ratios of the surfactant Kolliphor® P188 and phosphatidylcholine. To track SLN drug localisation, gold nanoparticles were conjugated to the DTIC. Nanoparticle size and form were examined using DLS and TEM. These approaches ensured SLNs had the correct size and shape for drug delivery.Significant findingsIn the study, various parameters of the developed solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were evaluated, including particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), entrapment efficacy, and cumulative drug permeation. The values for these parameters varied across the different formulations, with particle size ranging from 146 ± 4.71 nm to 715 ± 7.36 nm, zeta potential from -12.45 ± 2.78 mV to -30.78 ± 2.83 mV, PDI from 0.17 ± 0.013 to 0.51 ± 0.023, entrapment efficacy from 37.78 ± 2.78% to 87.45 ± 4.78%, and cumulative drug permeation from 117 ± 4.77 μg/cm2 to 275 ± 5.67 μg/cm2. To determine the optimal anti-cancer formulation, the DTIC-SLNs-8 nanoparticles were mixed with an optimized concentration of Gellan gum (0.01% w/v) and applied to DMBA-induced skin tumors in rats for six weeks, twice daily. Histopathology demonstrated that DTIC-SLNs-8-treated rats had less keratosis, inflammatory responses, and angiogenesis than free DTIC-treated rats. The development of SLNs may be a promising approach for melanoma treatment due to their improved drug retention over the skin. The optimised anti-cancer formulation DTIC-SLNs-8 showed improved efficacy with minimal side effects as compared to free DTIC.

Nanotechnology as a Promising Method in the Treatment of Skin Cancer

“…Similar effects were observed in independent studies in in vitro [119] and in vivo [120] experiments. Mice treated with 5-FU-SNL exhibited decreased inflammatory responses, less keratinization, and reduced signs of angiogenesis when compared to mice treated with 5-FU [120].…”

“…The use of SNLs for drug encapsulation resulted in a significant improvement in their anticancer properties, increased drug retention and bioavailability. Histopathological analysis showed that rats treated with decarbazine-SNLs had less keratosis, inflammatory responses, and angiogenesis than rats treated with free dacarbazine [120]. Similar effects were observed in independent studies in in vitro [119] and in vivo [120] experiments.…”

“…Histopathological analysis showed that rats treated with decarbazine-SNLs had less keratosis, inflammatory responses, and angiogenesis than rats treated with free dacarbazine [120]. Similar effects were observed in independent studies in in vitro [119] and in vivo [120] experiments. Mice treated with 5-FU-SNL exhibited decreased inflammatory responses, less keratinization, and reduced signs of angiogenesis when compared to mice treated with 5-FU [120].…”

“…In Table 1, we have summarized all nanoparticles described in this review, taking into account the type of nanoparticles and study models. Solid lipid nanoparticles Dacarbazine -Wistar rats [120] Inorganic nanoparticles-metal nanoparticles Gold nanoparticles Doxorubicine A549 and B16F10 cell lines C57BL6/J mice [123] Gold nanoparticles Zinnia elegans plant extract SK-OV-3, A549, and MCF-7 cell lines C57BL6/J mice [125] Gold nanoparticles Shikimoyl ligand B16F10 cell line C57BL6/J mice [126] Gold nanoparticles 5-FU A431 cell line C57BL6/J mice [129] Silver nanoparticles 5-FU A431 cell line C57BL6/J mice [130] Gold nanoparticles Doxorubicin and nisin -BALB/c mice [131] Gold…”