Anticancer Activity of a Hydrogel Containing Folic Acid Towards MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Cells

作者：Trombino Sonia; Ferrarelli Teresa; Pellegrino Michele; Ricchio Emilia; Mauro Loredana; Ando Sebastiano; Picci Nevio; Cassano Roberta^*

来源：Anticancer Research, 2013, 33(11): 4847-4854.

• Hydrogel
• ellagic acid
• glycine
• folic acid
• anti-oxidant
• breast cancer
• implant

Aim: The aim of the present study was to prepare a hydro gel, based on ellagic acid and glycine, embedded with folic acid, as a subcutaneous implant for the treatment of breast cancer. The function of folic acid is to selectively and actively target tumor cells which are well-known to overexpress folic acid receptors on their surface. Materials and Methods: A pro-drug based on L-glycine and ellagic acid, was functionalized with a polymerizable group and loaded with folic acid to make it more natural, non-toxic, compatible and specific for the site of action. Cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells was also evaluated. Release studies of folk acid were conducted on aliquots of hydrogel at different pH (6.2 and 7.4) and time-points (1, 6, 12 and 24 h) using a shaking water bath at 37 degrees C (body temperature). Results: Our results show that folic acid release by the hydro gel is characterized by a slow kinetic release, especially at pH 6.2. Moreover, it was evidenced that the exposure of human breast cancer cells to ellagic acid-based hydro gel containing folic acid significantly reduced cell viability.

• 出版日期2013-11