Electro-polymerized crocin-loaded polypyrrole electro-responsive nanoparticles aiming for cancer therapy

• Published in: Journal of drug delivery science and technology 2023-09, Vol.87, p.104879, Article 104879
• Main Authors: Ibrahim, Shaimaa S., Kassem, Dina H., Hathout, Rania M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cancer; Crocin; Nanoparticles; Polypyrrole; Stimuli-responsive
• ISSN: 1773-2247
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2023.104879

Crocin-loaded polypyrrole (Ppy) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using electrochemical polymerization as a green chemical synthesis method. The developed NPs were characterized using dynamic light scattering, doppler velocimetry and transmission electron microscopy. Cytotoxicity of the developed Ppy NPs and the electrical stimulus-responsive release of its crocin (anticancer agent) payload were also assessed. Results demonstrated the successful preparation of pseudo-spherical NPs of particle size 246 ± 27 nm and a zeta potential of −13.6 ± 0.78 mV. Moreover, the electro-responsive behavior of Ppy was confirmed opening the possibility of implementing an on-off therapy using the developed NPs. An augmented anticancer activity of the novel synthesized NPs was observed in GL261 brain cancer cells and was attributed to the synergistic effect of using crocin together with Ppy. [Display omitted] •Polypyrrole was prepared using electropolymerization using a novel set-up.•A natural herbal molecule; crocin was employed as the dopent.•Crocin-loaded polypyrrole nanoparticles were prepared and characterized.•A synergisitic cytotoxic effect on GL261 cell lines was obtained.•Electrically-triggered release of crocin was confirmed as a basis of potential on-off therapy.