Synthesis and characterization of redox-sensitive heparin-β-sitosterol micelles: Their application as carriers for the pharmaceutical agent, doxorubicin, and investigation of their antimetastatic activities in vitro

Tilahun Ayane Debele, Shewaye Lakew Mekuria, Hsieh Chih Tsai

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Although there are several clinical attempts to treat tumors at the primary site, only few therapies can inhibit the spread of metastatic cancers. In this study, we synthesized redox-sensitive heparin-β-sitosterol micelles that show antimetastatic activity. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared analyses confirmed the formation of bioreducible heparin-β-sitosterol (bHSC) conjugates, whereas dynamic light scattering was used to measure the particle size and zeta potential. Both 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and flow cytometry assays confirmed the low toxicity of the synthesized micelles. Doxorubicin (Dox) was encapsulated via the dialysis method, and its loading and encapsulation efficiencies were 16.49 ± 1.2% and 58.47 ± 1.87%, respectively. An in vitro release study showed that approximately 89% and 52% of Dox were released after 48 h in the presence and absence of reduced glutathione, respectively. The hemocompatibility and antimetastatic effects of bHSC were evaluated using the hemolysis and scratch assays, respectively. F-Actin fluorescence microscopy showed that heparin- and bHSC-treated HeLa cells had poorly oriented stress fibers. In summary, the synthesized bHSC micelles are good candidates as drug delivery systems owing to their low toxicity, excellent hemocompatibility, and antimetastatic effects.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1326-1338
Number of pages13
JournalMaterials Science and Engineering C
Volume75
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017 Jun 1

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Bioengineering
  • Biomaterials

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