Development of surfactin-based nanocarrier for targeted doxorubicin delivery

Abstract Surfactin, one of the most powerful lipopeptide biosurfactants produced by Bacillus subtilis, has great potential for biomedical applications. Isolation, purification, and characterization of surfactin from Bacillus subtilis 6633 to be used as a doxorubicin (Dox) nanocarrier. Purified surfactin using different chromatographic columns was used to prepare a self-assembled nanocarrier for Dox, which was characterized for size, charge, and drug-loading efficiency. Biological activity against normal fibroblast (FB) and liver cancer (HepG2) cells was assessed. The hybrid nanoparticles showed a remarkable drug loading; 36%, a pH-responsive release profile with enhanced cytotoxicity toward HepG2 cells (IC₅₀ = 5.40 µg/mL), and a reduced toxicity to FB cells (IC₅₀ = 12.78 µg/mL). The nanoparticles were spherical in shape (100 ± 2 nm) with a polydisperse index of (0.019 ± 0.01) and a narrow size distribution pattern. The results support the potential of surfactin-based nanoparticles to act as a selective platform for anticancer drug delivery and underscore their relevance towards the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through the development of safer and effective therapeutic strategies.