The effects of resveratrol encapsulated nanoparticles on viability of HT-29 colon cancer cells

Background: Resveratrol (trans-3, 4’,-5-trihydroxystilebene) is a compound found in a variety of plants. Studies of nonencapsulated resveratrol have indicated that this compound can inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells. However, its low level of bioavailability and target specificity, the body makes administering it in therapeutic doses unrealistic. In other words, low target specificity and bioavailability is due to rapid excretion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if nanoencapsulated resveratrol has higher anti-proliferative effects in HT-29 colon cancer cells than non-encapsulated resveratrol. We hypothesized that nanoencapsulated resveratrol could result in lower viability of HT-29 colon cancer cells as compared to nonencapsulated resveratrol. Methods: The HT-29 cells were treated with 20 µM of nanoencapsualted or nonencapsulated resveratrol for 24 hours. The treatment of 20 µM of resveratrol was chosen because the same does has been known to decrease cancer cell growth in other cell line. The viability of HT-29 colon cancer cells was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and the Cellometer Vision CBA Image Cytometry. Results: The results of the MTT assay were found to be insufficient with the use of resveratrol encapsulated nanoparticles. Nonencapsulated resveratrol was found to be the most effective to t decrease the growth of HT-29 cells. Using the Cellometer, we did not find any significant differences among the treatment groups; resveratrol, nanostructured lipid carrier, chitosan-coated nanostructured lipid carrier, and the void counterparts. Conclusion: Based on the MTT assay, nonencapsulated resveratrol appears promising in inducing cancer cell death. However additional studies must be performed for conclusive results.