Sea Urchin-Like Urolithin A-Gelatin Composite Nanoparticles for Cancer Treatment Via Cell Apoptosis

This study aimed to develop novel urolithin–gelatin nanoparticles for cancer treatment. Urolithin–gelatin nanoparticles with stick-like (UG-S nanoparticles) and sea urchin-like (UG-U nanoparticles) morphologies were prepared by the anti-solvent method. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the particle size of UG-U nanoparticles was approximately 4 3 4 . 3 ± 8 . 5 nm. UG-U nanoparticles demonstrated a higher drug loading rate of 49.32%, along with a significantly increased encapsulation efficiency of 98.64%. The changes in surface charge and crystal structure were explored through zeta potential and X-ray diffraction analyses. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the successful encapsulation of each component and the interaction between them. In vitro studies indicated that both UG-S and UG-U nanoparticles could reduce cell viability, but UG-U nanoparticles had superior cell uptake ability. The scratch assay showed that UG-U nanoparticles had a stronger inhibitory effect on the migration of tumor cells. Further studies revealed that compared with UG-S nanoparticles and free urolithin A, UG-U nanoparticles could more effectively promote the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, damage mitochondria and induce apoptosis in A549 cells. In conclusion, sea urchin-like UG-U nanoparticles hold great promise for cancer treatment due to their exceptional properties and potent anti-cancer mechanisms.