Liposomal form of 2-alkylthioimidazolone-based copper complexes for combined cancer therapy

To develop an optimized approach for encapsulating a 2-alkylthioimidazolone-based copper coordination compound within liposomes, which could offer treatment of cancer and bacterial infections by reactive oxygen species generation toxicity mechanisms. For drug-loaded liposome preparation, lipids and drug mixture in organic solvents was injected into copper salt solution, forming a coordination compound simultaneously embedded in the lipid bilayer. tests were performed on MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Liposomes had a loading capacity of up to 1.75% (molar drug-to-lipid ratio). tests showed increased viability and accumulation of the liposomal formulation compared with free drug as well as lack of cytotoxicity in hepatocytes. This optimized technique for encapsulating large copper complexes in liposomes could be used to improve their delivery and better treat cancer and bacterial infections. This work introduces a new technique for copper-containing drugs encapsulation in a drug-delivery system. The drug, a promising copper compound, is embedded in lipid nanovesicles – tiny fat particles – for intravenous injection. In addition to chemical characterization of the obtained drug form, tests on cancer cells showed a noticeable effect, whereas healthy cell types were not harmed. Copper possesses not only anticancer effects but also antimicrobial properties, which are also shown by the drug form, and a test of combined suppression of cancer cell lines and bacteria was successful. Hence, the obtained drug form has the potential for dual treatment of cancer and bacterial infections.