Synthesis and Characterization of Methotrexate Loaded Zinc Oxide Nano Particles for Efficient Delivery to Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, following lung cancer. Early detection and treatment play a crucial role in improving survival rates. However, metastasis and cancer resistance to therapies continue to contribute to cancer mortality. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer that does not have any hormonal receptors or HER2, which makes it more difficult to treat. Combination therapy, which involves the use of multiple agents that target different genes, disease pathways, or cell-cycle checkpoints, has shown promise in enhancing the efficacy of standard single-agent treatments. newlineFolic acid receptor (FAR) is a molecular marker that is highly expressed in certain cancers, including breast cancer. Targeting FAR allows for the specific delivery of antitumor agents to FAR-overexpressing cancer cells while minimizing non-specific tissue absorption. Methotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used chemotherapy drug that has shown potential in targeting FAR-overexpressing cells. Nanotechnology offers passive and active targeting strategies to enhance drug concentration within cancer cells and reduce toxicity to normal cells. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have proved its efficacy as a potential anticancer agent for various different cancer types in vitro. ZnONPs are cytotoxic as they release soluble Zn+2 ions in the surrounding environment which is the major factor involved into ZnONPs related toxicity. newlineIn this study, we aimed to develop a novel system combining ZnONPs and MTX to enhance therapeutic effectiveness and minimize side effects. The synthesized MTX-ZnONPs were characterized using various techniques, revealing hexagonal crystal morphology with an average size of 30 nm and positive Zeta potential. A drug release study demonstrated biphasic drug release, with approximately 90% of the drug released within 24 hours. newline