Preparation of pH-Responsive Tanshinone IIA-Loaded Calcium Alginate Nanoparticles and Their Anticancer Mechanisms
<b>Background:</b> Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is a lipophilic active constituent derived from the rhizomes and roots of <i>Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge</i> (Danshen), a common Chinese medicinal herb. However, clinical applications of Tan IIA are limited due to its poor solubility...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Pharmaceutics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/17/1/66 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background:</b> Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is a lipophilic active constituent derived from the rhizomes and roots of <i>Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge</i> (Danshen), a common Chinese medicinal herb. However, clinical applications of Tan IIA are limited due to its poor solubility in water. <b>Methods</b>: To overcome this limitation, we developed a calcium alginate hydrogel (CA) as a hydrophilic carrier for Tan IIA, which significantly improved its solubility. We also prepared nanoparticles with pH-responsive properties to explore their potential for controlled drug delivery. The physicochemical properties of Tan IIA/CA nanoparticles were evaluated, including their size, stability, and release profile. We also utilized RNA sequencing to further investigate the underlying anticancer mechanisms of Tan IIA/CA nanoparticles. <b>Results</b>: The Tan IIA/CA nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced solubility and exhibited potent anticancer activity in vitro. Additionally, the nanoparticles showed promising pH-responsive behavior, which is beneficial for controlled release applications. Further investigation into the molecular mechanisms revealed that the anticancer effects of Tan IIA/CA were mediated through apoptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy pathways. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study confirms the anticancer potential and mechanisms of Tan IIA, while also presenting an innovative approach to enhance the solubility of this poorly soluble compound. The use of CA-based nanoparticles could be a valuable strategy for improving the therapeutic efficacy of Tan IIA in cancer treatment. |
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| ISSN: | 1999-4923 |