Fig. 3 | Scientific Reports

Fig. 3

From: Study of caspase-6 activity in aggressive HCT116 cells using methotrexate-encapsulated lactoferrin-conjugated solid lipid nanoparticles via in silico and in vitro approaches

Fig. 3

(a) Overlay plot of UV-Visible spectroscopy for Methotrexate (MTX) at 302 nm, revealing distinct absorption peaks across different concentrations ranging from 2–10 µg/mL. (b) RP-HPLC chromatogram for Methotrexate (MTX) exhibits a retention time of 0.96 min, confirming the purity and identification of MTX within the formulations prepared. (c) FTIR spectra for MTX, placebo SLNs, MTX-SLNs, and MTX-Lf-SLNs present characteristic functional group peaks, validating successful encapsulation and conjugation with lactoferrin. (d) DSC thermograms for MTX, placebo SLNs, MTX-SLNs, and MTX-Lf-SLNs display melting points and thermal transitions, suggesting stable nanoparticle formulations and efficient drug incorporation. (e) Tyndall effect noted in MTX-SLNs dispersion when exposed to laser light, affirming the colloidal character and stability of the nanoparticle suspension. (f) Tyndall effect detected in MTX-Lf-SLNs dispersion, indicating enhanced colloidal stability and homogeneity of lactoferrin-conjugated nanoparticles compared to those without conjugation.

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