Anticancer properties of copolymer nanoparticles loaded with Feoniculum vulgare derivatives in Hs578T and SUM159 cancer cell lines

Abstract Background In recent years, the rising occurrence of cancer, particularly breast cancer, has led to a growing interest in utilizing nanotechnology for treatment. As a result of the significant side effects of chemical drugs, researchers have explored the potential of plants with antioxidant properties as an alternative option. Feoniculum vulgare, one of the potent plants for cancer therapy, is rich of anti-cancer compounds found in its essential oil and ethanolic extract. Methods This study was conducted to investigate the anti-tumor properties of F. vulgare, along with the application of copolymers for their targeted delivery to Hs578T and SUM159 cancer cells. First, the ethanolic extract from aerial parts and calluses of F. vulgare and essential oil extraction were produced. Second, polymer nanoparticles composed of PLA-Chitosan were synthesized, and their characteristics were investigated using various techniques such as Hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis. After preparation of PLA-PEG-HA/PLA-Chitosan nanoparticles, the physicochemical properties of these nanoparticles including their size, zeta potential, morphology, size distribution, and magnetic features were evaluated. The encapsulation efficiency of copolymers with F. vulgare ethanolic extract, essential oil, Anethole, and pure quercetin was analyzed. After that the drug release kinetics (at pH = 5 and 7.4), in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation, and analysis of cell apoptosis to evaluate the efficacy of drug delivery to Hs578T and SUM159 triple-negative breast cancer cell lines were evaluated. Results The results of the study indicated that PLA-PEG-HA/PLA-Chitosan nanoparticles possess a spherical shape with an average size of 240 nm and a zeta potential of -10.8 mV. Moreover, the drug release pattern illustrated a higher release rate from synthesized nanoparticles under acidic conditions (pH = 5). The WST-1 assay revealed the biocompatibility of the drug-free nanocarriers and their minimal toxicity. Additionally, the Hs578T cell line treated with PLA-PEG-HA/Chitosan-PLA/Quercetin nanoparticles exhibited the highest percentages of pre- and post-apoptotic cells (34.06% and 8.19%, respectively). Conclusions The PLA-Chitosan and PLA-PEG-HA/Chitosan-PLA copolymer nanoparticles exhibit a noteworthy capacity for the targeted delivery of Quercetin, Anethole, and other anti-cancer compounds present in the ethanolic extract and essential oil of F. vulgare towards cancerous cells.