Preparation and Characterization of Ocimum basilicum Extract-Loaded Niosomes and Evaluation of Their Cytotoxic and Pro-Apoptotic Potential in SKOV3 Ovarian Cancer Cells.
Niosomes are promising nanocarriers for improving the stability, bioavailability, and delivery of plant-derived bioactive compounds. This study aimed to prepare and physicochemically characterize niosomes loaded with Ocimum basilicum L. extract and evaluate their anticancer and metastasis-related effects in human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells. The niosomes were characterized using DLS, SEM, FTIR, and in vitro release analysis, showing a mean particle size of 256.2 ± 0.21 nm, PDI of 0.265 ± 0.007, zeta potential of -35.4 ± 0.3 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 85.2 ± 0.6%. Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay after 24, 48, and 72 h, and the 72 h IC50 (398.24 µg/mL) was used for subsequent analyses. The extract-loaded niosomes exhibited significantly greater cytotoxicity than the free extract and empty niosomes, particularly after 72 h. qRT-PCR revealed significant upregulation of Bax (3.46-fold) and downregulation of Bcl2 (0.67-fold), MMP2 (0.63-fold), and MMP9 (0.64-fold) (p < 0.001). Flow cytometry confirmed enhanced apoptosis, with 27.8% apoptotic and 5.87% necrotic cells. Overall, O. basilicum extract-loaded niosomes increased apoptosis and modulated apoptosis- and metastasis-associated genes, supporting their potential as nanocarriers for plant-derived anticancer compounds.