Preparation and investigation of indirubin-loaded SLN nanoparticles and their anti-cancer effects on human glioblastoma U87MG cells

Indirubin, an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, is considered as an anti-cancer agent. However, due to its hydrophobic nature, clinical efficiency has been limited. Drug delivery via nanotechnology techniques open new windows toward treatment of cancerous patients. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most severe and common type of brain primary tumors. Of common problems in targeting therapies of glioblastoma is the availability of drug in tumoric tissues. In this study, Indirubin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared and their therapeutic potentials and antitumoric effects were assessed on GBM cell line (U87MG). The SLNs were prepared with Cetyl palmitate and Polysorbat 80 via high-pressure homogenization (HPH) methods in hot mode. Then, properties of SLNs including size, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficacy (EE %) and drug loading were characterized. SLNs morphology and size were observed using SEM and TEM. The crystalinity of formulation was determined by different scattering calorimetry (DSC). The amount of drug release and antitumor efficiency were evaluated at both normal brain pH of 7.2 and tumoric pH of 6.8. The prapared SLNs had mean size of 130 nm, zeta potential of -16 mV and EE of 99.73%. The results of DSC showed proper encapsulation of drug into SLNs. Drug release assessment in both pH displayed sustain release property. The result of MTT test exhibited a remarkable increment in antitumor activity of Indirubin loaded SLN in comparison with free form of drug and blank SLN on multiform GB. This study indicated that Indirubin loaded SLNs could act as a useful anticancer drugs.