Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation of Doxorubicin Containing Silk Fibroin Micro- and Nanoparticles

Abstract The aim of this study was biological evaluation of doxorubicin containing silk fibroin micro- and nanoparticles (Dox-MF and Dox-NF). Dox-MF and Dox-NF were synthesized. Cell toxicity on MCF-7, Saos2, and HFF cells was assessed using MTT assay. Induced apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry and staining with PI/annexin V. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured. Gene expression of p53 was evaluated by real-time PCR. FTIR, SEM, and DLS confirmed the accurate synthesis. Cytotoxicity of Dox-MF and Dox-NF showed significant inhibition of cell growth compared with the controls. Regarding Dox-NF, a significant increase was seen in mRNA level of P53 in MCF-7 and SAOS-2 cells and a significant decrease in HFF cells compared to the controls. There was a significantly higher expression of P53 gene in MCF-7 and HFF cells treated by Dox-MF. However, a significant decrease in P53 gene expression was detected in SAOS-2 cells. Significant apoptotic induction of cell lines by Dox-MF and Dox-NF was observed in both early and late stages. Dox-MF and Dox-NF acted in the direction of cell death through the apoptotic pathway and changing p53 gene expression. So, Dox-MF and Dox-NF can be considered as a candidate for new anticancer agents.