Thymoquinone-Loaded Zinc Nanoparticles Mitigate Inflammation and Inhibit Glioblastoma Progression: A Novel Therapeutic Approach

Background: Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and lethal primary brain tumour, characterized by rapid proliferation, high invasiveness, and resistance to conventional therapies. Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in its progression, with pro-inflammatory cytokines contributing to tumour growth and therapy resistance. Nanotechnology based approaches, such as Thymoquinone derived Zinc Nanoparticles (TQ-ZnNPs) offer a promising strategy to enhance drug bioavailability and target inflammation driven glioblastoma more effectively. Objectives: Thymoquinone, a naturally occurring substance with anti-inflammatory and anticancer qualities, has drawbacks such as low bioavailability and solubility. To overcome these, TQ-ZnNPs were synthesized using nanotechnology. Materials and Methods: TQ-ZnNPs were synthesized using a green nanotechnology approach and characterized for their physicochemical properties through techniques like, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy examination to verify their optical and structural characteristics. Glioblastoma cells were treated with Lipopolysaccharide to induce inflammation, followed by exposure to TQ-ZnNPs to assess their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. RT-PCR method was used to assess gene expression. Results: TQ-ZnNPs exhibited enhanced stability and bioavailability, significantly reducing oxidative stress and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in glioblastoma cells. They effectively inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, suggesting potent anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of TQ-ZnNPs in targeting inflammation driven glioblastoma. Conclusion: TQ-ZnNPs demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential, making them a promising nanotherapeutic approach for combating inflammation driven glioblastoma.