Nanoparticles Based on Polyferulic and Polygentisic Acids as New Carriers of Anticancer Drugs

Objective: Synthesis of nanoparticles based on lignin-like polymers with a specific structure and investigation of their potential as drug carriers for tumor treatment. Methods: Enzyme laccase was used for polymer synthesis. NMR and FTIR were applied for polymer structure analysis. Nanoparticles were formed by dialysis. DLS and TEM were used to investigate their physico-chemical properties and morphology. The MTT assay was applied in the cytotoxicity analysis. Flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy were used to study the internalization of NPs by human cells. Apoptosis was measured with Annexin V. Results and Discussion:The nanoparticles formed by lignin-like polymers can differ in morphology depending on the monomers used in the enzymatic reaction and the method of their formation. Polyferulic nanoparticles actively penetrate tumor cells growing in monolayer culture and as part of spheroids. The nanoparticle-bound anti-cancer drug doxorubicin has a higher cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cells compared with a free compound. Conclusions: The morphology of nanoparticles can affect their penetration into tumor cells and their cytotoxic effect. Proposed carriers can be used for efficient, passive targeted drug delivery in tumor treatment.