Fabrication and functional attributes of lipidic nanoconstructs of lycopene: An innovative endeavour for enhanced cytotoxicity in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

The present study investigates the anticancer efficacy of lycopene loaded lipidic nanostructured particles. With a homogenization-evaporation technique, lycopene loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (LYC-SLNs) were fabricated with different ratios of biocompatible viz. compritol ATO 888 and gelucire, and evaluated for their micromeretics properties, in vitro release, in vitro cytotoxicity, cellular uptake and apoptosis induced in MCF-7 cells. Effects of anticancer potential of LYC-SLNs on the efficacy of methotrexate (MTX), a well-established anticancer agent, was evaluated thereafter. Cell culture experiments revealed a considerably higher cellular uptake of LYC-SLNs in MCF-7 cells, as compared to the free LYC. The concentration and time dependent cell survival of MCF-7 cells was significantly reduced by LYC-SLNs, as compared to their free LYC counterparts. Additionally, the combined cytotoxicity of the LYC and its nanostructured formulation with MTX was evaluated. The results of cytotoxicity and apoptotic study revealed synergism at all-time points up to 48 h. In a nutshell, the combination regimen could be promising approach to improve the therapeutic benefits of anticancer agents. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.