Evaluation of the Cancer-Preventive Effect of Resveratrol-Loaded Nanoparticles on the Formation and Growth of In Vitro Lung Tumor Spheroids

Abstract

Background: Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol that offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive benefits. This project determined the ability of RSV-loaded nanoparticles (NP) to inhibit the growth of lung tumor spheroids in vitro. Methods: RSV was encapsulated in NP comprised of the biodegradable polymer, acetalated dextran. A549 lung cancer cells in two-dimensional and three-dimensional cell culture models were exposed to free RSV and RSV NP to evaluate their effect on cell proliferation and spheroid formation and growth. For prevention studies, spheroids were exposed to free RSV and RSV NP on day 0, and for treatment studies, spheroids were dosed with the same formulations on day 5 after the spheroids had fully formed. Results: The resulting RSV NP were 200 nm in diameter with neutral surface charge and exhibited the ability to control the release of RSV in vitro based on environmental pH. In comparison to free RSV, the RSV NP exerted a greater inhibitory effect on the proliferation and growth of cancer cells and spheroids. Conclusions: RSV NP have the potential to be used as a chemopreventive agent for lung cancer.