Folic acid-functionalized smart eicosapentaenoic acid liposomes for the delivery of quercetin against cancer

Samukelisiwe Gabela – PhD Student, University of Kwazulu-Natal; Terisha Ghazi – senior lecturer, University of Kwazulu-Natal; Nokukhanya Ndimande – PhD Student, University of KwaZulu Natal; Amanda Ngcamu – PhD Student, University of Kwazulu-Natal; Joshua Nwabuife – Postdoc, University of the FreeState; Mamello Sekhoacha – professor, University of the FreeState

Introduction:

Cancer, particularly cervical and liver cancer, remains a major health challenge. While developing new drugs is vital, enhancing the efficacy of existing ones like quercetin (QUE) is equally important. Despite its therapeutic potential, QUE faces limitations such as poor bioavailability and toxicity when used conventionally. The present study focuses on overcoming these challenges to maximize its anticancer efficacy. This study aimed to design, formulate, and evaluate the physicochemical properties of folic acid-functionalized eicosapentaenoic acid liposomes for the delivery of QUE (FA-EPA-Lip-QUE) against cervical and liver cancerous cells in vitro.