Anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects of <i>Urtica dioica</i> agglutinin loaded chitosan nanoparticles with hyaluronic acid coating on the CD44-overexpressing prostate cancer cells

<i>Urtica dioica</i> agglutinin (UDA), a plant macromolecule with biological properties, shows promise for cancer treatment. Hyaluronic acid (HA), which binds to the CD44 receptor commonly found on cancer cells, can enhance drug delivery. This study investigates the anti-proliferative and anti-migratory potential of UDA encapsulated in chitosan (CS) nanoparticles coated with HA against CD44-overexpressing prostate cancer cells. In vitro tests showed that UDA-CS-HA nanoparticles had more significant cytotoxic effects on PC3 cells at concentrations above 150 µg/mL compared to UDA-CS. They also inhibited wound healing at 100 µg/mL and higher. Higher UDA-CS-HA concentrations correlated with increased <i>CD44</i> and <i>Nanog</i> expression levels, indicating CD44 pathway activation. These findings suggest that UDA-CS-HA nanoparticles, likely due to their enhanced uptake by CD44 receptors, can function as targeted carriers with combined anti-proliferative and anti-migratory potential against CD44-overexpressing cancers. .