Investigating the cell proliferation and migration inhibition by cerium oxide nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin in MDA-MB-231 cell line

Objective(s): Cerium oxide nanoparticles (Ceo2 NPs) are considered one of the most effective nanomaterials for drug delivery. The current study aimed to investigate the anticancer activities of doxorubicin-loaded Ceo2 NPs (DOX-Ceo2 NPs) against the MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line.Materials and Methods: Ceo2 NPs were synthesized using the GREEN synthesis method and loaded with DOX (DOX-Ceo2 NPs). The physicochemical properties of the Ceo2 NPs were evaluated using FTIR, XRD, DLS, zeta potential, and electron microscopy (SEM/TEM). Cultured MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with different concentrations of bare Ceo2 NPs, free DOX, and DOX-Ceo2 NPs. In addition, HDF cells were treated with different concentrations of Ceo2 NPs. MTT, wound healing, and flow cytometry assays were performed to determine the cell viability, migration, and apoptosis, respectively. qPCR was performed to investigate the expression of genes involved in apoptosis, including caspase (CASP) 3, 8, 9, and Bcl-2. Results: The XRD and FTIR results confirmed the synthesis of pure and crystalline structured- Ceo2 NPs. The average size, PDI, and zeta potential of the Ceo2 NPs were approximately 239.1 nm, 0.074, and -9.04 mV, respectively. In vitro assays showed that DOX-Ceo2 NPs exhibited higher cell proliferation inhibition, migration suppression, and apoptosis induction through the upregulation of CASP3, CASP8, and CASP9 genes and downregulation of Bcl-2. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate the potential of Ceo2 NPs for the efficient delivery of DOX and, subsequently, the improvement of its anticancer activities. Therefore, DOX-Ceo2 NPs have the potential to be proposed as promising anticancer agents for breast cancer.