Abstract

Synthetic cannabinoid WIN55,212-2 (WIN) has shown a promise as an anticancer agent but causes psychoactive side-effects. In the present study, nano-micelles of styrene maleic acid (SMA)-conjugated WIN were synthesized to reduce side-effects and increase drug efficacy. SMA–WIN micelles were characterised and their in vitro cytotoxic effect was compared to that of free WIN against triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231), hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (MCF-7) and castration-resistant prostate cancer (PC3) cell lines. SMA–WIN micelles were synthesised with a ~15% loading, 132.7 nm average diameter, −0.0388 mV charge, and pH-dependent release rate. A dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth was observed in all three cell lines treated with both free and micellar WIN, with both formulations demonstrating equal cytotoxicity. Conclusion: SMA–WIN demonstrated characteristics theorized to improve in vivo drug biodistribution. Potent cytotoxicity was found against breast and prostate cancer cells in vitro, showing promise as a novel treatment against breast and prostate cancer.