Synergistic anticancer effects of carrier-free self-assembled doxorubicin and emodin nanoparticles in non-small cell lung cancer.

ABSTRACT: To develop excipient-free carrier-free nanoparticles (DE NPs) via self-assembly of doxorubicin (DOX) and emodin (EMO) for enhanced combination chemotherapy against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). DE NPs were fabricated through non-covalent interactions between DOX and EMO using a self-assembly method. The nanoparticles were characterized for morphology, stability, encapsulation efficiency, and cellular uptake. In vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo antitumor efficacy of free drugs (EMO, DOX), DOX/EMO mixture, and DE NPs were evaluated on A549 NSCLC cells. Mechanistic studies explored the role of DE NPs in suppressing efflux pump proteins via modulation of p65 activation and nuclear translocation. DE NPs formed rod-like nanostructures with high encapsulation efficiency (> 90%) and stability.

SUBMITTER: Tang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12624116 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature