| Abstract: |
ackground: Natural compounds such as fisetin have promising in breast cancer treatment,
but their poor pharmacokinetics limit their therapeutic application. This study utilized
a synergistic approach by combining fisetin-loaded Nigella sativa (N.S.) oil nanovesicles
(FIS-NSs) and carbohydrate-based microneedles (FIS-NSs-MNs) to improve breast cancer
management. Methods: Chemical composition of NS petroleum ether extract using gas
chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). FIS-NSs were prepared and characterized
for particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and stability. These
vesicles were embedded into gelatin, hyaluronic acid, and carboxymethyl cellulose mi-
croneedles. In vitro drug release, ex vivo permeation, cytotoxicity against breast cancer
cells, and in vivo antitumor efficacy in Ehrlich tumor models were evaluated. Results:
Optimized FIS-NSs displayed nanoscale size (190 ± 0.74 nm), low P.D.I (0.25 ± 0.07),
high surface charge (+37 ± 0.57 mV), and high encapsulation (88 ± 0.77%). In vitro in-
vestigations showed sustained FIS release (~85% over 72 h), while ex vivo permeation
showed higher absorption than free fisetin. Both FIS-NSs and FIS-NSs-MNs showed
dose-dependent cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells, with lower IC50 than free fisetin
(24.7 μM). In vivo , FIS-NSs-MNs and tumor burden inhibition (~77%), reduced oxidative
stress (54%), restored antioxidant defenses, and decreased inflammatory markers. Immuno-
histochemical analysis for caspase-3 showed apoptosis activation within tumor tissues.
Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that FIS administration via NS-MNs improves
drug stability, penetration, and apoptotic activity, resulting in enhanced anticancer effects.
This innovative nanovesicle–microneedle platform provides a non-invasive, effective, and
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