Fig. 4 | Scientific Reports

Fig. 4

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. 4

(a) The visual characteristics of Methotrexate-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (MTX-SLNs) and Lactoferrin-conjugated MTX-Lf-SLNs after they have been dispersed showed a uniform suspension with a noticeable Tyndall effect, indicating well-maintained colloidal properties. (b) The particle size distribution for MTX-SLNs indicates an average size of approximately 145.67 ± 7.56 nm, featuring consistent particle sizes and a stable dispersion. (c) MTX-Lf-SLNs exhibit an average size of 154.18 ± 8.26 nm, suggesting a minor increase in size due to the addition of the Lactoferrin layer. (d) The zeta potential measurement of MTX-SLNs resulted in a value of −23.89 ± 4.11 mV, reflecting moderate stability of the colloids owing to the negative surface charge. (e) The zeta potential of MTX-Lf-SLNs was found to be −33.37 ± 4.11 mV, attributed to the Lactoferrin coating, which is thought to enhance electrostatic repulsion and overall stability. (f) A comparison of the PDI, entrapment efficiency (EE%), drug content (DC%), and drug loading (DL%) between MTX-SLNs and MTX-Lf-SLNs. The encapsulation efficiency of MTX-Lf-SLNs appears to be slightly reduced at 80.11% compared to MTX-SLNs (85.87%), yet the drug content considerably improved following the Lactoferrin coating application.

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