Current Issues in Molecular Biology (Apr 2024)

Açaí (<i>Euterpe oleracea Mart.</i>) Seed Oil and Its Nanoemulsion: Chemical Characterisation, Toxicity Evaluation, Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities

  • Katia Regina Assunção Borges,
  • Lais Araújo Souza Wolff,
  • Marcos Antonio Custódio Neto da Silva,
  • Allysson Kayron de Carvalho Silva,
  • Carmem Duarte Lima Campos,
  • Franscristhiany Silva Souza,
  • Amanda Mara Teles,
  • André Álvares Marques Vale,
  • Henrique Pascoa,
  • Eliana Martins Lima,
  • Eduardo Martins de Sousa,
  • Ana Clara Silva Nunes,
  • Rui M. Gil da Costa,
  • Ana Isabel Faustino-Rocha,
  • Rafael Cardoso Carvalho,
  • Maria do Desterro Soares Brandão Nascimento

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46050235
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 46, no. 5
pp. 3763 – 3793

Abstract

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This study explores a nanoemulsion formulated with açaí seed oil, known for its rich fatty acid composition and diverse biological activities. This study aimed to characterise a nanoemulsion formulated with açaí seed oil and explore its cytotoxic effects on HeLa and SiHa cervical cancer cell lines, alongside assessing its antioxidant and toxicity properties both in vitro and in vivo. Extracted from fruits sourced in Brazil, the oil underwent thorough chemical characterization using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The resulting nanoemulsion was prepared and evaluated for stability, particle size, and antioxidant properties. The nanoemulsion exhibited translucency, fluidity, and stability post centrifugation and temperature tests, with a droplet size of 238.37, PDI -9.59, pH 7, and turbidity 0.267. In vitro assessments on cervical cancer cell lines revealed antitumour effects, including inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation. Toxicity tests conducted in cell cultures and female Swiss mice demonstrated no adverse effects of both açaí seed oil and nanoemulsion. Overall, açaí seed oil, particularly when formulated into a nanoemulsion, presents potential for cancer treatment due to its bioactive properties and safety profile.

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