Phytosomal bilayer-enveloped casein micelles for codelivery of monascus yellow pigments and resveratrol to breast cancer

Abstract

Aim: Multireservoir nanocarriers were fabricated for delivering antineoplastic drug cocktail from herbal and fungal origin. Monascus yellow pigments (MYPs), monascin and ankaflavin, were isolated from red-mold rice, and incorporated within casein micelles (CAS MCs) along with the herbal drug, resveratrol (RSV). Both drugs (MYPs and RSV) were simultaneously incorporated into the hydrophobic core of CAS MCs. Alternatively, MYPs-loaded CAS MCs were enveloped within RSV-phytosomal bilayer elaborating multireservoir nanocarriers.

Results: Cytotoxicity studies confirmed the superiority of multireservoir nanocarriers against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The in vivo antitumor efficacy was revealed by reduction of the tumor volume and growth biomarkers.

Conclusion: Multireservoir CAS nanocarriers for codelivery of both MYPs and RSV may be promising alternative to traditional breast cancer therapy.

Keywords: casein micelles; monascus yellow pigments; resveratrol.