Betacyanins functionalized selenium nanoparticles inhibit HepG2 cells growth via mitochondria-mediated pathway

• Published in: Journal of functional foods 2021-03, Vol.78, p.104359, Article 104359
• Main Authors: Tang, Xiang-Yi, Yu, Shu-Juan, Guo, Xiao-Ming, Li, He, Chen, Ming-Shun, Zhang, Tao, Lei, Cai-Yu, Zhao, Zhen-Gang, Meng, He-Cheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-proliferation; Betacyanins; HepG2; Mitochondria-mediated pathway; Selenium nanoparticles
• ISSN: 1756-4646; 2214-9414
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2021.104359

[Display omitted] •Six betacyanins were extracted and identified from red beetroot.•XPS and FT-IR spectrum showed the presence of betacyanin on the surface of SeNPs.•Betacyanin enhanced the stability and bioactivity of SeNPs.•Bc@SeNPs-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells was mediated through mitochondrial pathway. Over the past few years, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs)-mediated chemotherapy has aroused extensive attention for its low toxicity and high anti-tumor properties. However, the stability and anti-tumor properties of SeNPs require further improvement. In this study, betacyanin (Bc), a natural bioactive compound, was designed to decorate SeNPs with substantial anticancer efficacy. As revealed from the results, Bc-modified SeNPs (Bc@SeNPs) exhibited an average size of 133 nm and remained in a stable state for at least 1 month. Besides, the Bc@SeNPs exhibited a higher antioxidant activity and bioavailability compared with those of naked SeNPs. Moreover, Bc@SeNPs potentiated chemotherapy was demonstrated to exhibit superior in vitro anti-tumor efficacy against HepG2 hepatoma carcinoma cells, which could activate caspase cascade and induce mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Overall, this study developed a novel strategy to increase the added value of red beet, and it was proved that Bc-functionalized SeNPs can act as potential chemotherapeutic agents for cancer therapy.