Development and characterization of hybrid nanoparticles with cannabidiol and evaluation of their effect on breast cancer cells.

• Grant number: 24/20998-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Priscyla Daniely Marcato Gaspari
• Grantee: Ana Helena Guimarães Sérgio
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. The increasing incidence and high mortality rate associated with BC highlight the need for new therapeutic approaches. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound from Cannabis sativa, has demonstrated several biological activities, including antitumor effects. However, CBD's low bioavailability and fast metabolization limit its effectiveness. To overcome these limitations, CBD can be encapsulated in nanoparticles such as lipid-polymeric hybrid nanoparticles. This type of nanoparticles combine the advantages of polymeric and lipid nanoparticles, providing better stability, efficient encapsulation and prolonged drug release. Therefore, this project aims to develop and characterize hybrid lipid-polymeric nanoparticles containing CBD and evaluate its cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cells. The nanoparticles will be prepared by the hot emulsion and sonication method and will be evaluated for diameter, polydispersity index and zeta potential by dynamic light scattering, morphology by transmission electron microscopy and encapsulation efficiency by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Cytotoxicity will be tested on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and non-tumorous breast cells (MCF-10). Thus, this study has the potential to significantly contribute to the development of new antitumor therapeutic approaches aimed at increasing efficacy and reducing side effects. (AU)