mPEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of nanotherapy against triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer is a specific type of breast cancer which is both aggressive in nature as well as difficult to treat by HER2 and other therapies which rely on specific markers that are not over-expressed on these cancer types. Recently, researchers at Dalhousie University (Canada) used mPEG-PLGA (AK010) from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) to create piperine-loaded nanoparticles for treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. This research holds promise to provide better therapies against this potentially fatal disease. Read more: Rad, Javad Ghassemi, and David W. Hoskin. "Delivery of Apoptosis-inducing Piperine to Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells via Co-polymeric Nanoparticles." Anticancer Research 40, no. 2 (2020): 689-694. http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/40/2/689.abstract

“Background/Aim: Piperine, a major alkaloid of the fruit of black pepper plants, selectively inhibits the growth of triple-negative breast cancer cells but its lipophilicity restricts possible clinical application. This study therefore determined the feasibility of encapsulating piperine in nanoparticles (NPs) to increase its solubility in an aqueous environment. Materials and Methods: Piperine-loaded biodegradable methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid copolymer-based NPs were produced by single emulsion solvent extraction and thin-film hydration. Growth and viability of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Annexin-V-FLUOS/propidium iodide staining, respectively. Results: Thin-film hydration was superior to single emulsion solvent extraction, yielding piperine-loaded NPs with an average size of 50 nm. Piperine-loaded NPs inhibited TNBC cell growth and induced apoptosis while sparing normal fibroblasts. Conclusion: It is feasible to deliver a cytotoxic concentration of piperine to TNBC cells via NPs with the potential for improved bioavailability and solubility in biological fluids.”

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