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Synthesis of fungal polysaccharide-based nanoemulsions for cancer treatment

Summary

Researchers developed tiny capsules (nanoemulsions) made from corn protein and chitosan to better deliver shiitake mushroom compounds to treat cancer and reduce inflammation. When shiitake extract was enclosed in these nano-sized carriers, it became much more effective at killing breast cancer cells, fighting bacteria, and reducing inflammation compared to using the mushroom extract alone. This technology could lead to new natural medicines and health supplements that are more effective at lower doses.

Background

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are rich in bioactive compounds including polysaccharides, proteins, and phenolic compounds with immunomodulatory, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, limited bioavailability and stability of these bioactive components restrict their therapeutic application. Nanotechnology offers a promising solution through nanoemulsions to enhance bioavailability and stability of bioactive molecules.

Objective

To develop and optimize a biopolymeric nanoemulsion formulation using zein and chitosan as encapsulating agents for shiitake mushroom extract. The study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential and efficacy of shiitake-loaded nanoemulsions through in vitro assays.

Results

The optimal zein-chitosan ratio (2:1) produced homogeneous nanoemulsions with droplet sizes decreasing from 629 nm to 181 nm with increasing shiitake concentration. SCZ nanoemulsions demonstrated significantly enhanced therapeutic efficacy compared to crude extract, with IC50 values of 12.07 μg mL⁻¹ for anti-inflammatory activity and 11.04 μg mL⁻¹ for antioxidant activity. Anticancer activity showed IC50 of 3.05 μg mL⁻¹ against MCF-7 cells, demonstrating superior cytotoxic effects with enhanced bioavailability.

Conclusion

The shiitake-zein-chitosan nanoemulsions exhibited significantly improved bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy compared to crude shiitake extract, showing promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. This novel nanoemulsion formulation has potential applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and the food industry as an advanced drug delivery system. The use of biocompatible, biodegradable polymers makes this approach suitable for clinical and nutraceutical applications.
  • Published in:RSC Advances,
  • Study Type:In vitro experimental study,
  • Source: 10.1039/d5ra01349f, PMID: 40290748
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