Nanocapsules of the tucumã oil (Astrocaryum vulgare Mart): preparation, characterization, safety evaluation in vitro and in vivo and antitumoral effectiveness in vitro

Abstract

Breast cancer is a disease of great molecular complexity and its incidence grows every year. By 2019 approximately sixty thousand new cases are expected in Brazil, as it generates concern mainly for women. In view of this, studies are aimed at new forms and substances for the treatment of this disease which have modulating properties of the tumor process through its chemical matrix, such as the tucumã fruit of the Amazonian Biome. In this sense, the present work aimed to develop novel nanocapsules of tucumã oil (Astrocaryum vulgare Mart.), as well as to evaluate its antitumor effect on breast adenocarcinoma cells and toxicity in vitro and in vivo model. In its characterization, the tucumã oil presented squalene, β- sistosterol, all-trans-β-carotene and oleic and palmitic fatty acids mainly. In addition to antioxidant activity in the DPPH and ABTS assays. The prepared nanocapsules had an appropriate particle size, approximately 213 nm, confirmed by atomic force microscopy. As well as stability in particle size, pH, polydispersion index and zeta potential. In addition, it was found that the most suitable formulation for tucumã oil was optimized, with lower concentration of Span 60® surfactant and oil. As for the antiproliferative effect on MCF-7 cell line, the tucumã nanocapsules presented IC50 of 50 μg/mL while the free oil of 130 μg/mL. As for toxicity assays, both in vitro and in vivo, nanocapsules and free oil were not toxic. However, white nanocapsules and surfactants increased the levels of reactive oxygen species in fish. Thus, it can be concluded that nanocapsules are promising for the transport of tucumã oil and their promising antiproliferative effect on breast adenocarcinoma cells was also evidenced, providing subsidies for future antitumor application.