Co-encapsulation of curcumin and tamoxifen in lipid-chitosan hybrid nanoparticles for cancer therapy

Background: Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNP) are used for drug delivery due to their high advantages over polymeric or lipid nanoparticles. Materials and methods: Tamoxifen-Curcumin-loaded-LPHNPs (Tmx-Cu-LPHNPs) were synthetized by the ionic gelation method, and after characterization and calculation of the encapsulation efficiency, its antioxidant power, anti-cancer and anti-metastatic effects were examined. Results: Tmx-Cu-LPHNPswith size of 232.12 nm, PDI: 0.22, zeta-p: 35.12 mV and encapsulation efficiencies92% and 74% for Cu and Tmx (respectively) inhibited cancer cells more strongly than normal cells.In addition, Tmx-Cu-LPHNPsinhibited ABTS (IC50: 998.125 mu g/ml), DPPH (IC50:164.87 mu g/ml) free radicals as well as reducing iron ions.Up regulation of P53 and Caspase-9, flow cytometry and AO/PI staining demonstrated proapoptotic effects of Tmx-Cu-LPHNPs. Suppression of metastasis in cancer cells confirmed by scratch assay and decreased expression of metalloproteinase (MMP-2, 9) genes. Conclusion: Tmx-Cu-LPHNPs can be a promising factor in the treatment of cancer with appropriate therapeutic effects.