Abstract

We aimed to encapsulate R-PE to improve its stability for use as a fluorescent probe for cancer cells. Purified R-PE from the algae Solieria filiformis was encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles using PCL. Nanoparticles were characterised and R-PE release was evaluated. Also, cellular uptake using breast and prostate cancer cells were performed. Nanoparticles presented nanometric particle size (198.8 ± 0.06 nm) with low polydispersity (0.13 ± 0.022), negative zeta potential (−18.7 ± 1.10 mV), and 50.0 ± 7.3% encapsulation. FTIR revealed that R-PE is molecularly dispersed in PCL. DSC peak at 307 °C indicates the presence of R-PE in the nanoparticle. Also, in vitro, it was demonstrated low release for nanoparticles and degradation for the free R-PE. Finally, cellular uptake demonstrated the potential of R-PE/PCL nanoparticles for cancer cell detection. Nanoparticles loaded with R-PE can overcome instability and allow application as a fluorescent probe for cancer cells.

摘要

我们旨在封装 R-PE 以提高其用作癌细胞荧光探针的稳定性。使用 PCL 将来自藻类Solieria filiformis 的纯化 R-PE封装在聚合物纳米颗粒中。表征纳米颗粒并评估 R-PE 释放。此外，还使用乳腺癌和前列腺癌细胞进行了细胞摄取。纳米颗粒呈现纳米级粒径 (198.8 ± 0.06 nm)，具有低多分散性 (0.13 ± 0.022)、负 zeta 电位 (−18.7 ± 1.10 mV) 和 50.0 ± 7.3% 封装。FTIR 显示 R-PE 分子分散在 PCL 中。307 °C 处的 DSC 峰表明纳米颗粒中存在 R-PE。还有，体外, 证明了纳米粒子的低释放和游离 R-PE 的降解。最后，细胞摄取证明了 R-PE/PCL 纳米粒子用于癌细胞检测的潜力。载有 R-PE 的纳米颗粒可以克服不稳定性，并允许用作癌细胞的荧光探针。