Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562)

Poly(thioether-ester) (PTEe), a polymer synthesized from renewable monomers, is a promising alternative for the encapsulation of antitumor drugs due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to synthesize, characterize and evaluate the cytotoxicity of free 4-nitrochalcone (4NC) and 4NC encapsulated in PTEe nanoparticles prepared by thiol-ene miniemulsion polymerization in chronic myeloid leukemia in blast crisis (K562) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Jurkat) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. 4NC was successfully encapsulated in PTEe nanoparticles with an encapsulation efficiency >90%, a mean size of 110 nm, negative surface charge and extended-release profile. Free 4NC and encapsulated in PTEe nanoparticles presented a significant cytotoxicity on K562 and Jurkat cells. Also, 4NC encapsulated in PTEe nanoparticles presented lower damage to peripheral blood mononuclear cells, providing a higher selectivity index than free 4NC for chronic myeloid leukemia in blast crisis (K562) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Jurkat). Considering the difficulties involved in leukemia treatment and good results obtained with free 4NC and encapsulated in PTEe nanoparticles, these results can be a new tool for the treatment of neoplastic cells.