Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) has been reported in the literature to inhibit different stages of cancer because of its potency. The great potential was shown by nanoparticles (Micelles) as drug carriers of cytotoxic agents. This work aimed to investigate the ability of Micelles based on to enhance TQ cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells. TQ was loaded using the antisolvent phase separation technique on TPGS Micelles. The prepared TQ TPGS Micelles were investigated for several factors, including size, shape, in vitro release, and cytotoxicity activity in MCF-7 cells. In comparison with either pure TQ or TPGS, TQ-TPGS Micelles revealed spherical shaped Micelles with in vitro TQ sustained release for over 36 h and enhanced cytotoxicity activity in MCF-7 cells. Results of cell cycle analysis showed accumulation of MCF-7 cells in G2 / M, and in MCF-7 cells challenged with TQ TPGS Micelles, pre-G1 phases were observed. A large rise in the percentage of cells for early and late apoptosis, as shown by cells stained with annexin V, in addition to total cell death. TQ formulation in the form of Micelles based on TPGS improved the cellular permeation and apoptotic activity of TQ, contributing to the promise of its cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells.