Exploring the potential of black cumin derived nanovesicles for miRNA drug delivery

Liposomes is a non-viral vector drug delivery system. Nevertheless, the existing commercial liposomes are quite expensive and not always affordable, particularly in developing countries. To address this challenge, plant-derived nanoparticles offer a cost-effective alternative while maintaining similar drug delivery capabilities. Hence, this study aimed to explore the potential of nanovesicles derived from black cumin (Nigella sativa) as a miRNA delivery system. Gradient sucrose-centrifugation was utilized to separate the nanovesicles derived from black cumin. Subsequently, these isolated nanovesicles, originating from black cumin, underwent centrifugation at a speed of 11,000 rpm. The miRNAs were encapsulated within these nanovesicles through the ethanol injection method. Morphological examinations of the nanovesicles derived from black cumin and DOTAP, as the positive control, were conducted using TEM and SEM. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the nanovesicles derived from black cumin was evaluated through the MTT assay on the MCF-7 cell line. Lastly, the process of internalization for both the black cumin-derived nanovesicles and DOTAP was visualized using a confocal microscope. Results demonstrated the successful isolation of nanovesicles from black cumin using the sucrose gradient method. These particles exhibited a spherical shape with diameters ranging from 100 nm to 200 nm, featuring a negative surface charge. When MCF-7 cells were exposed to black cumin-derived nanovesicles at a concentration of 12 mg/mL, cell viability reached 89.8 %, showing no significant difference compared to the positive control (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the MCF-7 cell line effectively internalized the black cumin-derived nanovesicles after a 45-minute incubation period. Notably, the encapsulation of miRNA within these nanovesicles demonstrated an impressive entrapment efficiency of 76.4 %. Subsequent transfection of miRNA-loaded black cumin-derived nanovesicles resulted in a substantial inhibition of MCF-7 cell viability, reducing it to 67 % after 48 h of treatment. These findings underscore the potential of black cumin-derived nanovesicles as potential nanovectors for the encapsulation and delivery of miRNA within drug delivery systems, offering a cost-effective and accessible solution for advanced drug delivery technologies, particularly in developing country.