Enhancing Anticancer Efficacy through Nanoemulsion Formulation of Acetylsalicylic Acid and Black Seed Oil: A Comprehensive Characterization and Therapeutic Evaluation

Abstract

Nanoemulsions have gained significant attention as efficient drug delivery systems due to their improved solubility, stability, and potential for targeted therapy. This study presents the formulation, characterization, and evaluation of an oil-in-water nanoemulsion containing Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) and Black Seed Oil (BSO) for its potential as an innovative anticancer agent. The nanoemulsion was characterized for particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index. The formulation exhibited mean droplet sizes of 94.67 ± 5.4 nm and 157 ± 4.3 nm for plain BSO and ASA-BSO nanoemulsion, respectively. Zeta potential values were -15 ± 2.4 mV and -27.67 ± 1.24 mV, respectively. Drug content determination confirmed a high loading capacity of 98.43 ± 2.32% for ASA-loaded nanoemulsion. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated enhanced release from the nanoemulsion compared to non-formulated ASA. Stability investigations indicated retained physicochemical properties over three months. Biological assessments included cell viability assays, cell cycle analyses, and apoptosis assessments in MCF-7, HePG2, and HCT 116 cancer cell lines. The ASA-BSO nanoemulsion formulation exhibited potent cytotoxic effects, impacting cell viability and arresting cells at different cell cycle phases. Apoptosis assessment revealed a significant increase in apoptotic populations, particularly in MCF-7 cells (84.35 ± 2.5%). These findings suggest the ASA-BSO nanoemulsion's potential as an effective and multifaceted anticancer strategy. The study highlights the formulation's capacity to impact various aspects of cancer cell behavior, supporting its further exploration as a novel approach in cancer therapy.