Nano-vesicular formulation of propolis and cytotoxic effects in a 3D spheroid model of lung cancer

BACKGROUND Propolis exhibits therapeutic properties due to the presence of phenolic acids, esters, and flavonoids. the scope of this study was to develop a nano-vesicular formulation and establish a three-dimensional (3D) spheroid model in which lung cancer is recapitulated. RESULTS Niosome vesicles doped with galangin-rich propolis extract were synthesized by the ether injection method using a cholesterol : surfactant mass ratio of 1 : 3 at 40 degrees C for 1 h. Formulated niosomes were administered to 3D lung cancer spheroid model and the cytotoxicity was compared with that of a two-dimensional (2D) setting. the galangin content was determined as 86 mu g mg(-1) propolis extract by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). the particle size of loaded niosome was 151 +/- 2.84 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of about 0.232, and an encapsulation efficiency of 70% was achieved. CONCLUSION the decrease in cell viability and the scattering in the 3D spheroids of A549 lung cancer cells treated with propolis-loaded niosomes were notable, indicating a profound cytotoxic effect and suggesting that they can be utilized as an effective nano-vesicle. (c) 2020 Society of Chemical Industry