ASSEESSMENT OF CELLULAR TOXICITY ON CANCER CELL LINES USING CAPSAICIN-LOADED PLGA NANOBUBBLES

HEMA KUMAR A. V.; CHAMAKURI KANTLAM

doi:10.22159/ijap.2025v17i4.54153

Authors

HEMA KUMAR A. V. Bharatiya Engineering Science and Technology Innovation University (BESTIU), Gownivaripalli, Gorantala Mandal, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1630-9294
CHAMAKURI KANTLAM Brilliant Grammar School Educational Society’s Group of Institutions-Integrated Campus (Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Pharmacy), Hyderabad. Abdullapur (V), Abdullapurmet (M), Rangareddy (Dist), Hyderabad-501505, Telangana, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ijap.2025v17i4.54153

Keywords:

Capsaicin, PLGA nanobubbles, In vitro cell line study, Cancer therapy, Cytotoxicity

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to develop and characterize Capsaicin-Loaded Poly(Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) (PLGA) Nanobubbles (CAP-NBs) for targeted drug delivery. The research evaluates the physicochemical properties, drug release profile, cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines, and formulation stability to assess the potential of CAP-NBs as a controlled and ultrasound-triggered drug delivery system.

Methods: CAP-NBs were formulated using the solvent evaporation method with ultrasound assistance to achieve nanoscale dispersion and high drug entrapment efficiency. Physicochemical characterization was performed using particle size analysis, Polydispersity Index (PDI), Zeta Potential measurement, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to assess morphology and stability. In vitro drug release studies were conducted to evaluate sustained and ultrasound-triggered release profiles. Cytotoxicity assessments were performed on cancer and normal cell lines to determine the therapeutic efficacy and selectivity of CAP-NBs. Stability studies were conducted over a three-month period to assess long-term formulation viability.

Results: PLGA CAP-NBs were successfully formulated using a solvent evaporation-ultrasonication method, achieving a particle size of 164±6.4 nm, PDI of 0.261±0.09, and ZP of-40.5±6.2 mV, indicating excellent stability. FTIR, DSC, and XRD analyses confirmed successful encapsulation, amorphization, and drug-polymer interactions. In vitro drug release studies revealed sustained and ultrasound-enhanced release, reaching 96.81% cumulative release at 24 h. CAP-NBs demonstrated lower cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 73.44 µg/ml for A549; 68.72 µg/ml for A498) compared to the pure drug, suggesting controlled release and reduced acute toxicity.

Conclusion: The study successfully developed and characterized CAP-NBs as a stable and efficient nanocarrier for targeted drug delivery. The formulation exhibited controlled and ultrasound-responsive drug release, along with selective cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. These findings highlight the potential of CAP-NBs for enhanced therapeutic efficacy with reduced systemic toxicity. Further in vivo investigations are warranted to explore their clinical applicability.

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