Design and Synthesis of Novel Quinic Acid Derivatives: <i>In Vitro</i> Cytotoxicity and Anticancer Effect on Glioblastoma

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> Quinic acid (QA) is a cyclic polyol exhibiting anticancer properties on several cancers. However, potential role of QA derivatives against glioblastoma is not well established. <b>Methodology & results:</b> Sixteen novel QA derivatives and QA-<b>16</b> encapsulated poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (QA-<b>16</b>-NPs) were screened for their anti-glioblastoma effect using standard cell and molecular biology methods. Presence of a tertiary hydroxy and silylether groups in the lead compound were identified for the antitumor activity. QA-<b>16</b> have 90% inhibition with the IC₅₀ of 10.66 μM and 28.22 μM for LN229 and SNB19, respectively. The induction of apoptosis is faster with the increased fold change of caspase 3/7 and reactive oxygen species. <b>Conclusion:</b> QA-<b>16</b> and QA-<b>16</b>-NPs shows similar cytotoxicity effect, providing the opportunity to use QA-<b>16</b> as a potential chemotherapeutic agent.