Nisin delivery by nanosponges increases its anticancer activity against in-vivo melanoma model

Nisin, a small antimicrobial peptide, has been recently suggested as a novel potential therapeutic approach to treat cancer with no toxicity in humans. The current study used cross-linked-cyclodextrin nanosponges (CDNS) to load Nisin-Z to study the complexes' capacity against melanoma cancer in vitro and in vivo. In-vitro results showed that Nisin encapsulated in both CDNSs (PMDA and CDI-NSs) behaves as an effective antitumor agent by increasing the cytotoxicity and apoptosis against melanoma cancer cell lines (B16-F10). Furthermore, Nisin loaded on PMDA-NSs significantly inhibited the in-vivo growth of melanoma cancer in a mouse model compared to free Nisin-Z. Indeed, the weight and volume of melanoma tumors were outstandingly decreased in the group treated with Nisin-PMDA-NSs compared to free Nisin. On the other hand, the anti-cancer effects of Nisin related to its apoptosis and antioxidant activity were remarkably increased in complex with PMDA-NSs. Moreover, Nisin in nano-formulation led to a considerable decrease of CD31, an angiogenesis factor, expression in tumor tissues. Our findings suggest that incorporating Nisin into nanosponges as a safe carrier may improve Nisin's antitumor effect in melanoma cancer animal models.