Development and Characterization of Lycopene Encapsulated Surface-Engineered Pegylated PLGA Nanoparticles for Enhanced Bioavailability and Active Targeted Delivery in Breast Cancer Using MNU-Induced Tumor Model

The pathogenesis of many physiological conditions and pathophysiological processes, including breast cancer, is governed by oxidative stress, which is a well-known fact. Lycopene is an aliphatic hydrocarbon with effective antioxidant properties and anticancer activity, specifically against breast cancer. The present work aimed to deliver lycopene into breast cancer cells by developing folate-receptor-targeted poly (lactide-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-polyethylene glycol (PEG) nanoparticles (NPs). The triple conjugate system (PPF) was fabricated, and NPs were prepared, followed by characterization. The final PPF-NPs have a particle size of 293.1 ± 14.6 nm, PDI of 0.247 ± 0.05, and Zeta potential of -31.9 mV with 93.11±1.09 % of cumulative percentage in-vitro drug release. The NPs have shown cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells. Flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging have shown the status of the internalization of NPs. In vivo, prophylactic and anticancer activity has also been established using an MNU-induced rat tumor model with a 6 mg/kg intravenous dose. The PPF-NPs demonstrate excellent internalization of lycopene in breast cancer cells and suggest significant In vivo prophylactic and anticancer efficacy.