Table 3.
Application of ω-3 PUFA nanoformulations in breast cancer
| Nanoparticle (NP) type | Chemical form of ω-3 PUFA used | NP size (nm) | EE (%) | Cargo molecule | Zeta potential (−mV) | Function of the NPs | Experimental model | Mechanisms involved in the NP effects | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polymeric PεCL nanocapsules | DHA-free fatty acid | 183 | NR | DHA | 29.7±0.7 | To protect DHA from oxidation; to provide a delivery system to be used orally (through a higher resistance to adverse environmental conditions of GI tract) | Human breast epithelial MCF-10A and tumor MDA-MB-231 cancer cells in vitro | Inhibition of cell proliferation (MTT assay) (only in the presence of H2O2 within the nanoparticle) | 50 |
| PEGylated liposomes | DHA-free fatty acid | 99 | 81.4 | DHA | 15.7±2.5 | To enhance cell permeability and retention and facilitate local delivery of DHA | Murine 4T1 breast cancer cells in vitro; murine RAW264.7 and human THP-1 monocytes in vitro | Inhibition of cancer cell proliferation (BrdU assay); decreased inflammation (reduced MCP-1 and TNF-α production by monocytes)* | 58 |
| Phytanyl lipid-based liposomes | DHA-sodium salt | 130–160 (depending on pH values) | 60–80 | DHA | 1.6 | To enhance DHA chemical and oxidative stability | Human MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells in vitro | Reduction of cell viability (MTT assay); increased apoptosis; reduced p-Akt expression# | 60 |
Notes:
*
Compared to unloaded nanoparticles or free ω-3 PUFA.
#
Compared to free DHA.
Abbreviations: DHA, docosahexaenoic acid; EE, encapsulation efficiency; GI, gastrointestinal; NR, not reported; PEGylated, polyethyleneglycolylated; PεCL, poly-ε-caprolactone; PUFA, polyunsaturated fatty acid; TNF, tumor necrosis factor.