Solid lipid nanoparticle encapsulated beta-carotene for targeted breast cancer therapy: Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro evaluation

The present study investigates the potential of beta-carotene–encapsulated solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) as a targeted therapeutic approach for breast cancer treatment. Utilizing a combination of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, the interactions between beta-carotene and key oncogenic proteins were systematically analyzed. Findings revealed that beta-carotene exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on cancer cell proliferation, primarily by inducing apoptosis and suppressing metastatic progression. Pharmacokinetic profiling through ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) analysis confirmed favorable drug-like properties of beta-carotene, supporting its suitability as a therapeutic candidate. The formulated SLNs demonstrated an encapsulation efficiency of 84 ± 1.12 % and a drug loading capacity of 8.47 ± 0.93 %, indicating effective incorporation of beta-carotene into the lipid matrix. In vitro release studies revealed a controlled release pattern following a first-order kinetic model, with 40.21 % drug release at pH 5.2 and 27.11 % at pH 7.5 within 5 h, suggesting pH-dependent release behavior beneficial for tumor microenvironment targeting. The cytotoxic evaluation using the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line yielded an IC50 value of 22.82 µg/mL, signifying moderate cytotoxic activity. These results underscore the promise of beta-carotene-loaded SLNs as a novel, bioavailable nanocarrier system for breast cancer therapy. The encapsulation process not only enhances the stability of beta-carotene but also significantly improves its bioavailability, making it a compelling candidate for further clinical translation. To fully realize its therapeutic potential, additional studies focusing on long-term formulation stability, optimized release kinetics, and in vivo therapeutic efficacy are recommended. Such investigations will pave the way for developing more effective and natural treatment strategies against breast cancer, harnessing the synergistic benefits of nanotechnology and bioactive natural compounds.