Empowering Cancer Therapy: Comparing PEGylated and Non-PEGylated Niosomes Loaded with Curcumin and Doxorubicin on MCF-7 Cell Line

Cancer remains an enduring challenge in modern society, prompting relentless pursuits to confront its complexities. However, resistance often emerges against conventional treatments, driven by their inherent limitations such as adverse effects and limited solubility. Herein, we spotlight a remarkable solution; a niosomal platform engineered to tandemly ferry two potent agents, doxorubicin (DOX) and curcumin (CUR). Notably, we delve into the pivotal role of PEGylation, unraveling its impact on therapeutic efficacy. These niosomes consist of Span 60, Tween 60, and cholesterol with a molar ratio of 5:2:3, which were prepared via a thin film hydration method. The physicochemical characterization of particles was performed using DLS, zeta potential measurement, SEM, and FTIR analysis. In addition, their encapsulation efficiency and release profile were determined using the HPLC method. Finally, their cytotoxicity and biocompatibility effects were checked by performing an MTT assay test on the MCF7 and L929 cell lines. The obtained results confirmed the successful fabrication of co-loaded niosomal structures with and without PEG coating. The fabricated nanoparticles had sizes in the range of 100 to 200 nm with a surface charge of about -18 mV for particles without PEG coating and -40 mV for coated particles. Notably, DOX encapsulation efficiency leaps from 20% to 62% in the transition from uncoated to coated, while CUR exhibits an impressive surge from 80% to 95%. The drug release was more controlled and slower in the coated sample. Finally, the MTT results confirmed the biocompatibility and synergistic effect of the simultaneous use of two drugs on cancer cells in the PEGylated niosomal particle. Based on the results, PEGylated niosomal particles can be considered adept vehicles for the simultaneous delivery of different chemotherapy cargoes with synergic interaction to overcome cancer.