Therapeutic potential of liposome-encapsulated, green-synthesized copper nanoparticles: anticancer and antimicrobial activities

Abstract Background Breast cancer remains a major global health challenge, highlighting the need for improved therapeutic strategies. Aim This study investigated green-synthesized copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) derived from Staphylococcus aureus and encapsulated in soy lecithin liposomes (Cu/SLP), evaluating their in-vitro anticancer and antibacterial activities. Methods CuNPs were synthesized extracellularly using S. aureus filtrate and incorporated into soy-lecithin liposomes via thin-film hydration. The Cu/SLP formulation was characterized using dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, TEM, FTIR, and XRD. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Mechanistic investigations included ROS generation, apoptosis analysis, cell cycle distribution, and p53 gene expression. Antibacterial activity was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus using CFU assays. Results Cu/SLP demonstrated enhanced cytotoxic activity compared with free CuNPs, with IC₅₀ values of 19.46 µg/mL (MDA-MB-231) and 31.56 µg/mL (MCF-7), versus 24.62 µg/mL and 62.62 µg/mL for CuNPs, respectively. Mechanistic assays indicated increased ROS production, apoptosis induction, G2/M cell-cycle arrest, and upregulation of p53 expression. The Cu/SLP formulation exhibited a mean particle size of ~ 530 nm, zeta potential of − 14.8 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 79.4%. Drug release studies showed ~ 60% copper release within 24 h. In antibacterial assays, Cu/SLP reduced S. aureus colony formation more effectively than free CuNPs under the tested conditions. Conclusion Liposomal encapsulation enhances the in-vitro anticancer and antibacterial activity of CuNPs. However, these findings are limited to in-vitro conditions, and further in-vivo studies are required to evaluate pharmacokinetics, safety, and therapeutic efficacy.