Table 4.
Application of ω-3 PUFA nanoformulations in lung and prostate cancer
| Nanoparticle (NP) type | Chemical form of ω-3 PUFA used | NP size (nm) | EE (%) | Cargo molecule | Zeta potential (−mV) | Function of the NP | Experimental model | Mechanisms involved in the NP effects | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLN | DHA-free fatty acid | 94 (0.4% DHA) | 99 (0.4% DHA) | DOX ± DHA | 34±0.2 (0.4% DHA) | To reduce SLN size; to induce negative charges in SLN; to enhance DOX EE, release in medium and solubility in lipids | Human A549 lung adenoCa cells in vitro | Enhanced DOX cytotoxicity§ (TB exclusion assay) | 64 |
| DHA-BSA polymeric nanoparticles | DHA-free fatty acid | 146.9±22.9 | 98.6±9.3 | DTX | 31.5±1.5 | To specifically target cancer cells | Murine LLC cells and human A549 adenoCa in vitro; murine LCC cells transplanted in C57BL/6 mice | ¥In vitro: enhanced cancer cell targeting; enhanced cell uptake efficiency; enhanced DTX antiproliferative effect (MTT assay); decreased cancer cell migration. @In vivo: decreased lung cancer metastases to bone; increased mice survival | 65 |
| Oil-in-water nanoemulsion | DHA-SBT-1214 conjugate | 228±7 | 97 | DHA-SBT-1214 | 24.9±4.3 | To enhance permeability and retention of SBT-1214 in cancer cells | Human CSC-enriched PPT2 prostate cancer cells in vitro and transplanted in NOD/SCID mice | Enhanced drug cytotoxicity in vitro*; enhanced tumor growth suppression in vivo* | 87 |
| Oil-in-water nanoemulsion | DHA-SBT-1214 conjugate | 213.2 | 97 | DHA-SBT-1214 | 28.9±4.3 | To improve the targeted delivery of SBT-1214 to cancer cells | Human CSC-enriched PPT2 prostate cancer cells transplanted in NOD/SCID mice | Slower in vitro drug release; improved pharmacokinetic properties in plasma and tissues; enhanced stability# | 88 |
Notes:
§
Compared to free DHA + DOX and to empty SLN.
¥
Compared to free DTX or to DTX-BSA nanoparticles.
@
Compared to DTX-BSA nanoparticles.
*
Compared to both Abraxane® and placebo nanoemulsion formulation.
#
Compared to aqueous solution.
Abbreviations: EE, encapsulation efficiency; LLC, Lewis lung carcinoma; NOD, nonobese diabetic; SCID, severe combined immunodeficiency; SLN, solid lipid nanoparticles; adenoCa, adenocarcinoma; CSC, cancer stem cells; DHA, docosahexaenoic acid; DOX, doxorubicin; DTX, docetaxel; PUFA, polyunsaturated fatty acid.