Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes Loaded with Tamoxifen and Their Anticancer Potential against Human Breast Cancer Cells Review

Background & Objectives: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) serve as molecular carriers for in vivo and in vitro delivery. Initial studies have suggested that nanotubes in drug delivery can enhance the therapeutic response to anti-cancer drugs. The present study intended to investigate the effect of CNTs carrying tamoxifen (TAM-CNTs) on the induction of apoptosis in the MDAMB-231 cell line. Materials & Methods: The cells were treated with various concentrations of TAM and TAMCNTs. The IC50 for these compounds was determined using a MTT assay. The cells were then treated with a lower concentration of IC50. The BAX and BCL-2 genes expression were evaluated by Real-Time PCR and Western blot. Flow cytometry was employed for evaluating apoptosis induction by TAM and TAM-CNTs. Results: The IC50 value of TAM and TAM-CNTs in a 48-hour period was 66.19 mg/mL and 36.59 mg/mL, respectively. The results demonstrated that BAX in the cells treated with TAM and TAM-CNTs was upregulated 3.64 and 7.88 times, respectively (P