Novel nanoformulation of disulfiram with bacterially synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles for augmenting anticancer activity: an in vitro study

Abstract Background Disulfiram (DS), in the presence of copper (Cu), exhibited potent broad anticancer activity. However, its clinical application is limited due to poor solubility and stability. Hence, a novel nanocombination DS with bacterially synthesized oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) was prepared herein improve efficacy typical DS–Cu complex. Our design utilized nanocharacterization prooxidant effect-mediated activity CuO NPs which may lead enhanced cellular uptake thus improved this unique nanocomplex. Results The characterized DS–CuO high stability serum strongest selective activity, lowest half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC 50 < 15 nM), against human breast, lung liver cancer cells, by >10-fold, compared DS–Cu, Cu. Importantly, revealed better synergistic effect higher than DS–Cu. Moreover, nanocomplex showed apoptosis anti-metastatic potential. This accomplished elevating reactive species content inhibiting antioxidant defenders (functional marker stem cells (aldehyde dehydrogenase) nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor2), matrix metallopeptidase 9 NF-?B as well enhancing p53 expression. Conclusion All aforementioned findings verified that capable improving therapeutic index conventional promising nanomedicine merits further investigation, separate future study, using animal models preliminary step before application. Graphic abstract