Organogel mediated co-delivery of nisin and 5-fluorouracil: a synergistic approach against skin cancer

Abstract

Aim

The present study aimed to develop topical combinatorial therapy of nisin and 5-fluorouracil in a single nanosized formulation against skin cancer.

Methods

Nisin and 5-fluorouracil were encapsulated in an organogel system (NF-OG) and investigated for morphology, physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity, encapsulation and release. NF-OG was evaluated against DMBA/TPA murine skin cancer in terms of tumour statistics, histoarchitecture, TUNEL and M1/M2 macrophages.

Results

The optimised NF-OG formulation exhibited particle size of 185.1 ± 11.24 nm, zeta potential of −7.93 ± 0.60 mV, offered substantial drug loading and temporal release. NF-OG therapy led to improved cytotoxicity of nisin and 5-FU against B16-F10 cells, significant decrease in tumour volume (84.983 mm³) in treated group as compared to untreated group (490.482 mm³) accompanied by restoration of histoarchitecture and repolarization of macrophages.

Conclusion

The study yielded a promising delivery system exhibiting potent anticancer activity and forms the bases for further applications in clinical settings.

Keywords:

• Anticancer peptides; nisin; 5-fluorouracil; drug delivery; skin cancer

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge the financial support received from [DST-SERB, New Delhi, India] under the grant [EEQ/2017/000540].