Self-Assembled Cannabigerol-Based Nanoparticles: Design, Synthesis, and Antiproliferative Activity

Background/Objectives: Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid with significant therapeutic potential, showing emerging applications in drug delivery. This study aimed to develop and evaluate CBG-conjugated nanoparticles (NPs) incorporating tubulin-targeting drugs to enhance anticancer activity. Methods: CBG was conjugated with N-desacetylthiocolchicine, paclitaxel, and camptothecin using sebacic acid and 4,4′-dithiodibutyric acid as linkers, and nanoparticles were obtained. The NPs were characterized by their stability and size (hydrodynamic diameters < 90 nm). Their antiproliferative activity was assessed in three human tumor cell lines and non-tumorigenic cells. Their cellular uptake and mechanisms of action were investigated via confocal microscopy and cell cycle analysis. Results: The chemical composition of the linkers significantly influenced the antiproliferative effect, with the NPs containing 4,4′-dithiodibutyric acid demonstrating higher activity. Notably, NP3b, formulated with this linker, exhibited up to an 80-fold increase in antiproliferative potency compared to its sebacic acid counterpart (NP3a). In mesothelioma cells (MSTO-211H), NP3b displayed significantly higher cytotoxicity than in non-tumorigenic mesothelial cells (MeT-5A), indicating selectivity for cancer cells. Further analysis in glioblastoma cells confirmed that the NPs retained the microtubule-disrupting effects of their parent drugs. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of CBG-based NPs as versatile nanomedicine platforms for targeted cancer therapy. This study underscores the importance of linker chemistry in modulating therapeutic efficacy and supports the development of multifunctional drug delivery systems.