PHYCOERYTHRIN-BASED GOLD NANOPARTICLE FORMULATION FOR ANTICANCER THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF OROPHAR

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel anticancer drug formulation compnsmg a conjugate of phycoerythrin, a protein-pigment complex derived from red algae, and gold nanoparticles for the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer. The invention includes the methods of extraction, purification, and conjugation of phycoerythrin with gold nanoparticles to enhance its stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery to cancer cells. The phycoerythrin-gold nanoparticle formulation induces apoptosis, inhibits cell proliferation, and reduces angiogenesis in oropharyngeal cancer cells, providing a targeted and potentially less toxic therapeutic option. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of this formulation in both in vitro and in vivo models, making it a promising candidate for further clinical development as a monotherapy or in combination with existing cancer treatments

Specification

The present invention relates to the fields of oncology and nanomedicine, specifically to the
development of anticancer therapeutics. This invention concerns a novel formulation combining
phycoerythrin, a protein-pigment complex derived from red algae, with gold nanoparticles to create a
targeted anticancer drug for the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer. The invention aims to enhance the
therapeutic efficacy of phycoerythrin through nanoparticle-based delivery, providing a promising new
approach for treating oropharyngeal cancer with reduced side effects and improved targeting of
cancerous cells Oropharyngeal cancer, a type of head and neck cancer, originates in the tissues of the oropharynx, which
includes parts of the throat, base of the tongue, tonsils, and soft palate. This type of cancer is often
associated with poor prognosis due to its aggressive nature, late-stage diagnosis, and limited treatment
options. Current treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, can lead to
significant side effects and a reduced quality of life for patients. There is an urgent need for more
effective and targeted therapies that minimize damage to healthy tissues while effectively targeting
cancer cells.
Phycoerythrin, a naturally occurring protein-pigment complex derived from red algae, has demonstrated
potential anticancer properties due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects against
various cancer cell lines. However, its clinical application has been limited by challenges related to
stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery to tumor sites.
Recent advances in nanotechnology, particularly the use of gold nanoparticles, offer promising solutions
for enhancing the delivery and therapeutic effectiveness of anticancer agents. Gold nanoparticles are
known for their biocompatibility, ease of functionalization, and ability to enhance the delivery of
therapeutic molecules to specific tumor sites. By conjugating phycoerythrin with gold nanoparticles, it is
possible to improve its stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery to oropharyngeal cancer cells.
The present invention seeks to address the challenges of treating oropharyngeal cancer by developing a
novel phycoerythrin-based gold nanoparticle formulation. This formulation aims to enhance the
therapeutic potential of phycoerythrin while reducing the adverse effects associated with traditional
cancer treatments. The innovative combination of phycoerythrin and gold nanoparticles offers a
targeted, efficient, and potentially less toxic approach to treating oropharyngeal cancer, thereby meeting
the critical need for new therapeutic strategies in oncology. The present invention involves the development of a novel anticancer drug formulation combining
phycoerythrin, a protein-pigment complex derived from red algae, with gold nanoparticles for the
targeted treatment of oropharyngeal cancer. This innovative approach leverages the natural anticancer
properties of phycoerythrin and the enhanced delivery capabilities of gold nanoparticles to create a
potent and selective therapeutic agent.
1. Phycoerythrin-Gold Nanoparticle Conjugation
The invention begins with the extraction and purification of phycoerythrin from red algae using
optimized methods to maintain its bioactivity. Phycoerythrin is then conjugated with gold nanoparticles
through chemical or physical bonding techniques to form a stable and bioavailable complex. The gold
nanoparticles serve as. a delivery vehicle, enhancing the stability of phycoerythrin and facilitating its
targeted delivery to cancer cells.
2. Drug Formulation and Delivery
The conjugated phycoerythrin-gold nanoparticle complex is formulated into a therapeutic composition
suitable for clinical use. This formulation includes excipients and stabilizers that preserve the biological
activity of the complex and optimize its pharmacokinetic properties. The drug can be administered
through various delivery methods, such as intravenous injection or localized delivery directly to the
tumor site, depending on the clinical requirements.
3. Mechanism of Action
The anticancer effects of the phycoerythrin-gold nanoparticle formulation are achieved through multiple
mechanisms:
• Targeted Delivery: The gold nanoparticles enhance the selective accumulation of
phycoerythrin in oropharyngeal cancer cells due to their ability to target specific cancer cell
receptors and exploit the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect in tumors.
• Induction of Apoptosis: Phycoerythrin induces apoptosis in cancer cells by generating reactive
oxygen species (ROS), disrupting mitochondrial function, and activating apoptotic signaling
pathways.
• Inhibition of Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis: The formulation inhibits tumor growth by
interfering with cell proliferation pathways and reducing angiogenesis, which is crucial for
tumor blood supply and growth.
4. Preclinical Studies
Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the phycoerythrin-gold nanoparticle
formulation. In vitro studies on oropharyngeal cancer cell lines showed significant cytotoxicity,
apoptosis induction, and inhibition of cell proliferation. In vivo studies in animal models further

confirmed the drug's ability to reduce tumor size and impr ve survival rates ith minimal systemic The invention provides a new therapeutic option for patients with oropharyngeal cancer, offering a
targeted and potentially less toxic treatment compared to conventional therapies. The formulation could
be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapeutic modalities, such as
chemotherapy or radiotherapy, to enhance overall treatment outcomes.
6. Advantages of the Invention
The. phycoerythrin-based gold nanoparticle formulation offers several advantages, including targeted
delivery, reduced side effects, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. By combining the natural anticancer
properties of phycoerythrin with the advanced delivery capabilities of gold nanoparticles, the invention
addresses significant challenges in cancer treatment, particularly for oropharyngeal cancer. The present invention relates to the development of a novel anticancer drug that combines
phycoerythrin, a natural protein-pigment complex derived from red algae, with gold nanoparticles for
the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer. This innovative formulation leverages the anticancer properties .
of phycoerythrin and the targeted delivery capabilities of gold nanoparticles to enhance therapeutic
efficacy while minimizing side effects. The drug aims to improve stability, bioavailability, and selective
targeting of cancer cells, providing a promising new treatment option for oropharyngeal cancer patients. CLAIM I : A composition for treating oropharyngeal cancer, comprising a conjugate of phycoerythrin
and gold nanoparticles, wherein the phycoerythrin is derived from red algae and the gold nanoparticles
serve as a delivery vehicle to enhance the stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery of the
phycoerythrin to cancer cells.
CLAIM 2 : The method of preparing the composition of claim I, involving the steps of: (a) extracting
and purifying phycoerythrin from red algae; (b) synthesizing gold nanoparticles; (c) conjugating the
purified phycoerythrin with the synthesized gold nanoparticles through chemical or physical bonding
techniques to form a stable conjugate; and (d) formulating the conjugate into a pharmaceutically
acceptable composition for clinical use.
CLAIM 3 : A method for treating oropharyngeal cancer in a patient, comprising administering to the
patient an effective amount of the composition of claim I, wherein the composition induces apoptosis,
inhibits cell proliferation, and reduces angiogenesis in oropharyngeal cancer cells through targeted
delivery.
CLAIM 4 : The use of phycoerythrin and gold nanoparticles in the preparation of a medicament for the
treatment of oropharyngeal cancer, wherein the phycoerythrin and gold nanoparticles are conjugated to
enhance selective targeting of cancer cells, minimize side effects, and improve therapeutic outcomes
compared to conventional treatments.

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