Quercetin nanocomposite as novel anticancer therapeutic: improved efficiency and reduced toxicity

Eur J Pharm Sci. 2013 Jun 14;49(3):359-65. doi: 10.1016/j.ejps.2013.04.008. Epub 2013 Apr 19.

Abstract

A three-functional nanocomposite was prepared by radical polymerization of methacrylic acid around carbon nanotubes in the presence of Quercetin as biologically active molecule and proposed as new anticancer therapeutic. The so-obtained hybrid material was characterized by FT-IR, Raman, SEM, TEM analyses, while the functionalization degree of 2.33 mg of Quercetin per g of composite was assessed by Folin-Ciocalteu test. Antioxidant test (DPPH and ABTS) showed that the covalent coupling did not interfere with the antioxidant properties of the flavonoid, while the anticancer activity was greatly enhanced with a recorded IC50 value much lower than free Quercetin. Cell viability tests on healthy cells demonstrated no-toxicity of the conjugate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage*
  • Antioxidants / chemistry
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Nanocomposites / administration & dosage*
  • Nanocomposites / chemistry
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry
  • Quercetin / administration & dosage*
  • Quercetin / chemistry

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Quercetin