Artemether-loaded Polymeric Lipid-core Nanocapsules Reduce Cell Viability and Alter the Antioxidant Status of U-87 MG Cells

Glioblastomas are tumors that present a high mortality rate. Artemether (ART) is a lactone with antitumor properties, demonstrating low bioavailability and water solubility. In the present study, we developed lipid-core nanocapsules (LNC) containing pequi oil ( Cambess) as the oily core for ART-loaded LNCs (LNC) and evaluated their effect on human glioblastoma cells (U-87 MG). LNCs were developed by interfacial deposition of a preformed polymer, followed by physicochemical characterization. LNC revealed a diameter of 0.216 µm, polydispersity index of 0.161, zeta potential of -12.0 mV, and a pH of 5.53. Furthermore, mitochondrial viability, proliferation, total antioxidant status, and antioxidant enzyme activity were evaluated. ART reduced cell viability after 24 h and proliferation after 48 h of treatment at concentrations equal to or above 40 µg . mL. LNC, at 1.25 µg . mL, reduced these parameters after 24 h of treatment. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was elevated, while glutathione reductase (GR) activity was reduced. These findings suggest that ART loaded into LNC may be a promising alternative to improve its pharmacological action and possible application as a therapeutic agent for glioblastoma.