Biology subjects

Yaghoubi, H.

Publications and source records attributed to Yaghoubi, H..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Preparation and characterization of Fe3O4-spermine-PCL-chitosan-PEG-FA nanoparticles for DNA delivery into AGS cells

Gene therapy, a novel treatment approach for diseases such as cancer and genetic disorders, involves the transfer of genes to host cells or tissues. In recent decades, methods such as viruses, bacteria, and mechanical techniques have been utilized for gene transfer. However, Owing to the significant side effects of traditional methods for cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy, nanoparticles have emerged as a preferred alternative, enhancing targeted gene delivery and reducing complications. This study utilized copolymers such as spermine-chitosan-polycaprolactone (PCL) (PCS) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4) to protect DNA and facilitate oligonucleotide transfer. Additionally, spermine-PCL-chitosan-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-folic acid (SPCPF) micelles were synthesized to control DNA release and target tumors. SCPPF/Fe3O4/DNA micelles were then prepared, and their properties, including protection against plasma degradation, ability to release DNA, physicochemical properties, transfection efficiency, and cytotoxicity, were evaluated in vitro. The study also investigated the impact of two buffer pH values (6 and 7.4) on DNA release from micelles, revealing that a lower pH significantly increased the release rate. Electrophoretic analysis confirmed that the micelle coating effectively protected DNA from degradation in plasma. VSM (vibrating sample magnetometer) analysis was used to assess the magnetic properties of the SCPPF/Fe3O4/DNA micelles, revealing that encapsulation with PCS and PCPF yielded nanoparticles with desirable magnetic characteristics. However, the encapsulation value reduced the saturation magnetic properties of the samples from 13.4 to 39.3 emu/g. Furthermore, the micelles significantly improved the DNA transfer efficiency compared with that of the polyethylenimine (PEI)/DNA complex in serum, achieving 14.42% efficiency with the SCPPF/Fe3O4/DNA micelles compared with 10.6% for the PEI/DNA complex. In terms of cytotoxicity, the SCPPF/Fe3O4 micelles exhibited low toxicity to the AGS cell line.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Multifunctional PolySpermine-based Nanocapsules for Targeted Gene Delivery to Gastric Cancer Cells

In this study, multifunctional nanocapsules were developed and evaluated for targeted gene delivery to AGS gastric cancer cells. The design of the nanoparticles utilized hyperbranched polyspermine (HS) for efficient DNA condensation, polyethylene glycol (PEG) to increase nanoparticle stability and prolong circulation time via stealth properties, and dual-targeting ligands, i.e., folic acid and glucose, to improve selective binding and internalization by cancer cells. Folic acid targets folate receptors (FR), while glucose binds glucose transporters (GLUTs), both of which are overexpressed in gastric cancer cells, thereby increasing uptake specificity. The synthesized ternary copolymers composed of polyspermine, PEG, folic acid, and glucose (PSPFG) were comprehensively characterized via multiple analytical techniques, including proton nuclear magnetic resonance ({superscript 1}H-NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) analysis, to confirm their chemical structure and thermal stability. After complexation with DNA, the PSPFG/100 DNA nanocapsules were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which revealed uniform spherical nanoparticles with a nanoscale size. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements confirmed a narrow size distribution, with an average particle size of 265 {+/-} 18 nm. Biocompatibility assays using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay demonstrated significantly reduced cytotoxicity compared with the commonly used polyethylenimine (PEI) vector. Agarose gel electrophoresis revealed strong DNA binding, effective charge neutralization, and resistance to enzymatic degradation. Importantly, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analyses demonstrated high transfection efficiency in AGS cells, with the optimized PSPFG50/DNA formulation achieving a transfection rate of 53.37%. These results collectively indicate that PSPFG-based nanocarriers exhibit favorable biocompatibility and enhanced gene delivery performance, addressing major limitations of traditional polycationic vectors. These findings suggest promising potential for the clinical translation of these spermine-derived nanocapsules in gastric cancer gene therapy.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Antibacterial and Antiproliferative Properties of Portulaca oleracea Essential Oil and its Targeted Delivery to MCF-7 Cells via Spermine-PLA-PEG-FA Nanocapsules

Portulaca oleracea essential oil is plant-derived product with documented antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities. Its clinical use is limited by poor water solubility, chemical instability, and lack of targeting. Encapsulation in polymeric nanocarriers can enhance solubility, stability, and selective delivery. This study investigated the antibacterial activity of P. oleracea essential oil against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and its antiproliferative effects on human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells using folic acid-modified spermine-polylactic acid-polyethylene glycol (Spermine-PLA-PEG-FA) nanocapsules. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified major components such as -pinene, limonene, and phytol. The essential oil and quercetin were co-encapsulated in the nanocapsules. Characterization was conducted by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ({superscript 1}H-NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTG), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Antibacterial properties were assessed using disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. Antioxidant capacity was measured via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry. Nanocapsules had spherical shape, size of 115-237 nm, and pH-responsive release. Quercetin-loaded nanocapsules induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells with an IC of 11.21 mg/{micro}l. This delivery system improved the antibacterial and anticancer efficacy of P. oleracea essential oil. HighlightsO_LIThe presence of medicinal, antibacterial and anti-proliferative compounds in Portulaca oleracea essential oil controls the growth of bacteria (both gram-positive and gram-negative strains), especially Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which are representative of gram-positive bacteria. C_LIO_LIEncapsulating P. oleracea essential oil in Spermin-PLA-PEG-FA copolymer nanoparticles prevented its oxidation and destruction in free conditions without a polymer coating. C_LIO_LIThe use of folic acid as a cell marker in the copolymer nanoparticle structure led to the identification of MCF-7 cancer cells by the nanoparticle/plant essential oil complex. This action increased the efficiency of the essential oil-targeted transfer system. C_LIO_LIThe presence of compounds such as resveratrol and lycopene in P. oleracea essential oil has increased its antioxidant properties. C_LI

plant biology↗