Electro-polymerized crocin-loaded polypyrrole electro-responsive nanoparticles aiming for cancer therapy

Crocin-loaded polypyrrole (Ppy) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using electrochemical polymerization as a green chemical synthesis method. The developed NPs were characterized using dynamic light scattering, doppler velocimetry and transmission electron microscopy. Cytotoxicity of the developed Ppy NPs and the electrical stimulus-responsive release of its crocin (anticancer agent) payload were also assessed. Results demonstrated the successful preparation of pseudo-spherical NPs of particle size 246 ± 27 nm and a zeta potential of −13.6 ± 0.78 mV. Moreover, the electro-responsive behavior of Ppy was confirmed opening the possibility of implementing an on-off therapy using the developed NPs. An augmented anticancer activity of the novel synthesized NPs was observed in GL261 brain cancer cells and was attributed to the synergistic effect of using crocin together with Ppy.