PEGylated zinc oxide nanoparticles induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells through reactive oxygen species

In this study, the authors have successfully prepared the polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNPs) and studied its effect in pancreatic cancer cells. The authors have observed a nanosized particle with spherical shape. In this study, the authors have demonstrated the cytotoxic effect of ZNP and PZNP in PANC1 cells. To be specific, PZNP was more cytotoxic compared to that of ZNP in PANC1 cancer cells. The authors have further showed that apoptosis is the main mode of cytotoxic activity. It is worth noting that PEGylation of ZNP did not decrease the cell killing activity of zinc particles, whereas it further increases its anticancer effect in the pancreatic cancer cells. The authors have observed a significant upregulation of proapoptotic BAX while expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 was significantly downregulated indicating the potent anticancer effect of zinc nanoparticles. Overall, PEGylation of ZNP could be an effective strategy to improve the stability, while at the same time, its anticancer activity could be enhanced for better therapeutic response.
Source: IET Nanobiotechnology - Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research