Encapsulation of Resveratrol into silk protein nanocarriers: Fabrication, Characterization and In vitro Toxicity Against Colon Cancer Cells

Resveratrol (RES)-loaded silk protein (SP) nanoparticles is a promising strategy to fabricate biocompatibility and bioviability nanocarriers. Resveratrol, a multi-targeted anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory natural polyphenol, was used as model drug in this study. Meanwhile, SP base nanoparticles are currently available for biodegradable drug carriers. Consequently, this research investigated the capability of RES-loaded SP nanoparticles which were prepared by non-solvent precipitation technique due to enhance functionality and properties both of resveratrol and silk protein nanoparticles. The nanoparticle size was approximately 200 – 400nm and negative charges which was dependent on the silk protein concentrations (0.1%, 0.6% and 1.0% (w/v)). At 0.5% (w/v) of poloxamer surfactant could be an optimum condition to prepare SP nanoparticles. TEM and AFM topography of the particles exhibited the monodisperse, spherical shape and smooth surface morphology. The SP nanoparticles were non-toxic to normal skin fibroblast (CRL-2522) and colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells after performed cytotoxicity assay. Cell internalization of the SP nanoparticles showed the ability to transfect into the cell, and internalization level was response to the incubation time. Moreover, RES was loaded up to 75% into 0.6% (w/v) silk protein nanoparticles which could be sufficient to assure required activity outcome. In vitro drug release study demonstrated the ability of silk protein nanoparticle to provide sustained release of RES over 72h. Cytotoxicity and cell viability assays of RES-loaded SP nanoparticles proved the toxicity against Caco-2 but non-toxic to CRL-2522 cells. In addition, anti-oxidative activity confirmed the activity of loaded RES. The study demonstrated the fabrication of silk protein nanoparticles to improve and sustain the bioviability of nanoparticles. This RES-loaded silk protein nanoparticles enhance the solubility and prolong the significantly sustained release of RES which can be applicable for further therapeutic and cosmeceutical applications.