Alginate nanoparticles containing Lavandula angustifolia essential oil as a potential potent, biocompatible and low-cost antitumor agent

This study aimed to investigate the anticancer activity of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil (LAEO) and alginate nanoparticles containing L. angustifolia essential oil (Alg/LAEO NPs). GC–MS was applied for the characterization of LAEO components. Alg/LAEO NPs were prepared by low-energy methods, and their size was analyzed by DLS. In addition, cytotoxicity of LAEO and Alg/LAEO NPs on A-375 (melanoma) and MCF-7 (breast) cell lines was evaluated by MTT assay, and gene expression was evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method. Linalool acetate (31.325%), linalool (24.407%), camphor (7.420%), 1,8-cineole (6.524%), and borneol (4.101%) were five major constituents of LAEO. The average particle size of Alg/LAEO NPs was 185 ± 7 nm. Alg/LAEO NPs with IC50 values of 405 and 120 against A-375 and MCF-7 cells were significantly more potent than LAEO (2299 and 522 µg/mL). Besides, LAEO and Alg/LAEO NPs affect apoptosis regulator genes; apoptosis criteria were proven as molar ratios of Bax and BLC-2 were more than 1. Therefore, Alg/LAEO NPs, as a potent green anticancer agent, could be considered for in vivo studies.