Research Article

Pelargonidin-Strontium Oxide Nanoparticles: Enhanced Targeted Therapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Abstract

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive neoplasm characterized by restricted therapeutic alternatives and a bleak prognosis. Nanotechnology-driven medication delivery methods improve therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing systemic toxicity. Pelargonidin (PL), a flavonoid with anticancer effects, has low absorption, hence limiting its therapeutic applicability. Strontium oxide (SrO) nanoparticles provide a viable platform for medication administration owing to their biocompatibility. This work included the synthesis of PL-SrO nanoparticles using co-precipitation, followed by characterization utilizing FTIR, XRD and TEM techniques. Drug release investigations demonstrated a pH-dependent release profile, with 85% of PL released at pH 6.5 (conditions simulating tumors) in contrast to 60% at pH 7.4 during a 24-hour period. in vitro tests shown that PL-SrO markedly decreased TNBC cell viability (IC50 = 2.8 μg/mL) in comparison to free PL (IC50 = 7.2 μg/mL), while showing no damage to normal cells. PL-SrO demonstrated superior inhibition of colony formation (90% decrease), migration (85% reduction), and invasion (90% reduction) compared to free PL. Apoptotic staining and mitochondrial membrane potential studies validated substantial activation of apoptosis. The formation of ROS increased by 350% with PL-SrO therapy, exceeding the impact of doxorubicin (DOX). Gene expression study demonstrated a 3.0-fold overexpression of BAX and a 2.8-fold rise in Caspase 9, accompanied by a 0.3-fold downregulation of BCL2 and BRCA1, indicating the activation of apoptosis and the suppression of DNA repair. The results indicate that PL-SrO nanoparticles improve PL bioavailability, specifically target TNBC cells, and trigger death via mitochondrial malfunction and oxidative stress, therefore underscoring their potential as a nanotherapeutic for TNBC.