Excellent anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles on human melanoma cell growth both in vitro and in vivo

Chitosan nanoparticles encapsulating EGCG were prepared as described previously by us (Carcinogenesis. 2014 Feb;35(2):415-23). These nanoparticles were used in cell culture and in tumor xenograft model system of melanoma. Once the nanoparticles carrying the phytochemicals (EGCG in this case) enter the blood flow, they move freely until they reach the tumor. Normal tissue vasculature is lined by tight endothelial cells, which prevents the nanoparticles from escaping into the tissue; whereas tumor tissue has compromised endothelium in the vasculature due to which the nanoparticles carrying EGCG enter and are retained owing to poorly functioning lymphatic drainage. EGCG is released at the site and it causes apoptosis causing tumor cell death and ultimately shrinkage of the tumor.239