Potentiation of the Cytotoxic Activity of Nutraceutical Phloretin against Cervical Cancer by Formulation into Microemulsion

The present study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effect of phloretin-a nutraceutical found in apples and its nanoparticulated form-on cervical cancer. Phloretin surfactant-based nanoparticles (microemulsions) were prepared and characterized for particle size, charge, polydispersity, stability under refrigeration conditions and morphology. The cytotoxic activity of phloretin and its microemulsion was tested in cervical cancer HeLa cell line using tetrazolium dye colorimetric assay. Results revealed that phloretin microemulsion exhibited suitable particle size (10.65 +/- 0.10 nm), homogenous dispersion (PDI = 0.29 +/- 0.05), and negative charge of -9.99 +/- 0.81. The microemulsion was stable on storage for 3 months and displayed spherical particle morphology. Both phloretin and its microemulsion exhibited cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells, with IC50 values of 15.3 +/- 0.8 and 2.94 +/- 0.12 mu g/mL, respectively, suggesting more than 5-fold potentiation of the cytotoxic effect of phloretin against cervical cancer by nanoencapsulation. Phloretin microemulsion is concluded to be a stable product of enhanced cytotoxic activity, and findings might be useful for research involving other nutraceuticals.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effect of phloretin on cervical cancer, as well as its nanoparticulated form. The results showed that phloretin microemulsion exhibited suitable particle size, homogenous dispersion, and stability. Both phloretin and its microemulsion exhibited cytotoxic activity against cervical cancer cells, with the microemulsion showing more potent effect. This study highlights the potential of phloretin microemulsion as a stable product for enhanced cytotoxic activity.