2. Academic Validation
  3. Folate-chitosan nanoparticle delivery of cannabidiol for targeted triple-negative breast cancer therapy

Folate-chitosan nanoparticle delivery of cannabidiol for targeted triple-negative breast cancer therapy

  • J Pharm Pharmacol. 2025 Aug 21:rgaf072. doi: 10.1093/jpp/rgaf072.
Jia Liu 1 2,  Yuqian Wang 1 3,  Lingfeng Xie 2,  Shanghua Xiao 2,  Xueyan Zhang 2,  Wendi Li 1 3,  Yutao Peng 1,  Ruizhao Cai 4,  Shoukang Qu 2,  Chengyu Huang 1 2
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518307, China.
  • 2 Shenzhen Zhongjia Bio-medical Technology Co., LTD, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China.
  • 3 School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Xinpu New District, Zunyi, Guizhou 563006, China.
  • 4 Department of Breast Oncology & State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
PMID: 40838692 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgaf072
Abstract

Objectives: Triple-negative breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast Cancer with limited treatment options. Cannabidiol (CBD) has demonstrated Anticancer potential, but its clinical application is hindered by poor solubility and nonspecific distribution. This study aimed to develop a folic acid-modified chitosan (FA-CS) nanoparticle system to enhance the targeted delivery and therapeutic efficacy of CBD against TNBC.

Methods: FA-CS@CBD nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized for morphology, size distribution, zeta potential, and stability. Their in vitro Anticancer effects were evaluated through cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, Apoptosis, and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) assays in 4T1 breast Cancer cells. The in vivo antitumour efficacy and systemic toxicity were assessed using a TNBC mouse model.

Key findings: FA-CS@CBD nanoparticles exhibited uniform morphology, stable physicochemical properties, and efficient cellular uptake. Compared to free CBD, the nanoparticles significantly enhanced ROS production, induced Apoptosis, and inhibited migration in 4T1 cells. In vivo studies demonstrated strong tumour-targeting capability and a tumour inhibition rate of 68.07%, with minimal systemic toxicity.

Conclusions: The FA-CS@CBD nanoparticle system improved the targeted delivery and therapeutic effects of CBD against TNBC while maintaining favorable biocompatibility. These findings highlight the potential of FA-CS-based nanocarriers for enhancing CBD clinical application in breast Cancer therapy.

Keywords

breast cancer; cannabidiol; folic acid activation; nanoparticles; targeting.

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