Authors:

Vratin Mankidy

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About Paper:

Neuroblastoma is the leading cancer type within children under the age of 5. Neuroblastoma occurs when developmental nerve cells reach a stage of unregulated growth, resulting in a malignant tumor that typically localizes in the upper body. Symptoms of neuroblastoma range from fatigue and loss of appetite to a bulging eye or bump in the abdomen, neck, or chest. Within the low-risk stage of neuroblastoma, treatment is often off-set on the chance that the tumor may naturally remit. Nanoparticles are promising, minimally invasive treatments to the future of cancer treatment due to their enhanced ability for drug targeting, improved cellular uptake, and improved bioavailability [1]. In this study, two naturally derived compounds are utilized for their perceived anti-cancer and neuroprotective effects: Curcumin and powdered Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae (PBSL) peptide [2]. To optimize the effects of nanoparticles, a particle with a diameter < 200 nm and surface charge between -25 to -40 mV was achieved [3]. Probe sonication and lyophilization techniques were utilized to dissipate aggregate particles and wash out sediment. Malvern's Zetasizer software was used to confirm the characteristics of the particle. To test the nanoparticles effect in vitro L929 fibroblast cells were used along with thee SH-SY5Y neuroblast cell line. An alamar blue and scratch assay was also utilized to determine the particle's effect on cell viability and wound healing properties, respectively. Initial experimental resulted in desirable particle parameters (145 d. nm, -30 mV) and indicate the efficacy of the particle treatment in promoting healthy L929 cell growth across an area lacking cells. Additionally, promoted viability of healthy cells was achieved along with limited viability for compromised tumor cells. The trajectory of cell treatment indicates that the Curcumin-PBSL Peptide complex may bridge the gap between neuroprotective and anti-cancer effects.

Source:

Northwestern University

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Co-authors:

Vratin Mankidy