Design and Synthesis of Newly Synthesized Acrylamide Derivatives as Potential Chemotherapeutic Agents against MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line Lodged on PEGylated Bilosomal Nano-Vesicles for Improving Cytotoxic Activity

Abstract

Cancer is a multifaceted disease. With the development of multi drug resistance, the need for the arousal of novel targets in order to avoid these drawbacks increased. A new series of acrylamide derivatives was synthesized from starting material 4-(furan-2-ylmethylene)-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)oxazol-5(4H)–one (1), and they are evaluated for their inhibitory activity against β-tubulin polymerization. The target molecules 2–5 d were screened for their cytotoxic activity against breast cancer MCF-7 cell line. The results of cytotoxicity screening revealed that compounds 4e and 5d showed good cytotoxic profile against MCF-7 cells. Compounds 4e produced significant reduction in cellular tubulin with excellent β-tubulin polymerization inhibition activity. In addition, compound 4e exhibited cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells by cell cycle arrest at pre-G1 and G2/M phases, as shown by DNA flow cytometry assay. Aiming to enhance the limited aqueous solubility and, hence, poor oral bioavailability of the prepared lead acrylamide molecule, 4e-charged PEGylated bilosomes were successfully fabricated via thin film hydration techniques as an attempt to improve these pitfalls. 2³ full factorial designs were manipulated to examine the influence of formulation variables: types of bile salt including either sodium deoxy cholate (SDC) or sodium tauro cholate (STC), amount of bile salt (15 mg or 30 mg) and amount of DSPE–mPEG-2000 amount (25 mg or 50 mg) on the characteristics of the nanosystem. The F7 formula of entrapment efficiency (E.E% = 100 ± 5.6%), particle size (PS = 280.3 ± 15.4 nm) and zeta potential (ZP = −22.5 ± 3.4 mv) was picked as an optimum formula with a desirability value of 0.868. Moreover, prominent enhancement was observed at the compound’s cytotoxic activity (IC₅₀ = 0.75 ± 0.03 µM) instead of (IC₅₀ = 2.11 ± 0.19 µM) for the unformulated 4e after being included in the nano-PEGylated bilosomal system.

1. Introduction

Microtubules are one of the most important cellular protein scaffolds [1,2]. Microtubules along with actin and intermediate filaments are major cell building blocks and, therefore, play an integral role in cell reproductive processes during mitosis [3,4]. Microtubules are also crucial for a variety of fundamental cell processes, including cell proliferation, sustained cell shape and structure, intracellular transport of vesicles and protein complexes and motility regulation [5,6,7]. Additionally, the disruption of microtubules can induce cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, formation of abnormal mitotic spindles and final triggering of signals for apoptosis [8,9,10]. Therefore, the importance of microtubules in mitosis and cell division makes them an attractive target for the development of anticancer drugs.

Breast cancer characteristically displays uncontrolled or abnormal cell proliferation due to excessive microtubule synthesis [11,12]. Knowledge and understanding of this intrinsic property have resulted in the development of chemotherapeutic regimens that act by interfering with the microtubule assembly or disassembly [13].

Antimitotic agents such as podophyllotoxin (podo) I, combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) II and chalcone III (Figure 1) exhibited good cytotoxicity profile due to strong tubulin polymerization inhibition activity [14,15,16,17]. Compound IV displayed a broad spectrum of antiproliferative activity on most of the cell lines of NCI in the sub-micromolar range and exhibited significant inhibitory effect on the tubulin assembly with an IC₅₀ value of 0.6 μM [18]. In addition, compound V showed potent inhibition of tubulin polymerization and arrested the cell at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle compared with reference compound CA-4 [19].

Unfortunately, most of chemotherapeutic drugs that suffer from a lack of persistent clinical and therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, they are associated with extensive adverse effects and diminished bioavailability [20]. In order to eliminate these obstacles, the emergence of novel drug delivery systems based on nanotechnology such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles and micelles, etc., becomes essential [20,21]. However, conventional vesicular systems such as liposomes suffer from diminished encapsulation capability, stability, encapsulation and vast problems associated with scaling up problems, which provoke the necessity for the evolution of de novo vesicular systems [22,23].

The incorporation of bile salt in the vesicular structure aims to bypass the stability issue and other drawbacks associated with the other conventional vesicular systems, particularly for liposomes and niosomes [24]. Bilosomes have been manipulated for orally dispensed drugs possessing faint water solubility and reduced stability versus harsh conditions in GIT [24]. Moreover, PEGylated vesicles propose more advantages over nude vesicles such as restrained drug release manner, extended drug circulation time in systemic circulation and being as a shelter that suppresses the possibility of vesicles adhesion with plasma proteins [21].

Based on the foregoing aspects and in continuation of the efforts to discover anticancer agents [25,26,27,28,29], a mimic anticancer model was designed based on a diamide scaffold. The model has the following structural outline: triaryl rings connected through two amide groups. One of the aryl ring attached to the amide group composed of 3,4,5-trimethoxy phenyl (TMP) moiety in order to mimic TMP ring in compounds I–V. The incorporation of furan moiety as the second aryl ring into the diamide scaffold was performed to augment the anticancer activity of the produced compounds since oxygen in furan ring has the potential for hydrogen bonding with the target [30]. Finally, the third aryl ring contains varying substituents of aliphatic, aryl substituted or substituted benzyl rings for comparative reasons to investigate the impact of these modifications on the activity. The difference in the structural variations between the prepared molecules is outlined as follows: starting with ester derivative 2, the ester moiety could be replaced with N-isopropyl amide group to provide compound 3. Furthermore, the ester group could be replaced with substituted phenyl rings either directly to obtain compounds 4a–e or through one carbon spacer to provide compounds 5a–d. Figure 2 illustrates the design strategy for the structural modification of the target molecules. Furthermore, the inclusion of the most potential lead within an optimized PEGylated bilosomal formulation acquired promising results regarding promoted cytotoxic activity, drug solubility, release and, to an extent, its pharmaceutical properties, which mainly includes the drug’s aqueous solubility and bioavailability.

2. Results and Discussion

2.1. Chemistry

The designed molecules 2–5d were obtained as outlined in Scheme 1. 4-(furan-2-ylmethylene)-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)oxazol-5(4H)-one (1) is the starting material and was prepared by condensation of 2-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamide)acetic acid, furfural and acetic anhydride in the presence of anhydrous sodium acetate in an oil bath at 80–100 °C according to literature reported [25]. The structure of the starting oxazolone 1 was confirmed by IR, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR spectra. IR spectrum of oxazolone 1 showed the characteristic C=O stretching absorption of lactone ring at ν 1805 cm⁻¹. The ester derivative 2 was prepared by reaction of oxazolone 1 in refluxing absolute ethanol in the presence of triethylamine (Et₃N). The structure of ester molecule was ascertained on the basis of IR, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR spectra. The ¹H-NMR spectrum revealed the presence of characteristic triplet and quartet signals related to -OCH₂CH₃, in addition to an exchangeable proton (NH) at δ 9.89 ppm. Additionally, the reaction of oxazolone 1 with isopropylamine in absolute ethanol at reflux temperatures furnished N-[1-(furan-2-yl)-3-(isopropylamino)-3-oxoprop-1-en-2-yl]-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamide (3). The ¹H-NMR spectrum of compound 3 revealed the presence of doublet and multiplet signals at δ 1.12 and 3.94–4.04 ppm related to two methyl (2CH₃) and methylidene (CH) of isopropyl group, respectively, in addition to two exchangeable protons (2NH) at δ7.78 and 9.67 ppm. Furthermore, compounds 4a–e were obtained from the reaction of oxazolone 1 with appropriate primary aromatic amines in absolute ethanol. The structures of compounds 4a–e were confirmed using IR and NMR spectra. ¹H-NMR spectrum of compound 4c as a representative example showed the presence of characteristic two exchangeable proton (2NH) at δ 9.94 ppm. The ¹³C-NMR spectrum of compound 4c showed the presence of extra signals related to aromatic carbons. Finally, oxazolone 1 upon treatment with various substituted benzyl amines in glacial acetic acid in the presence of anhydrous sodium acetate produced the corresponding diamide derivatives 5a–d. The structures of compounds 5a–d were confirmed on the basis of IR, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR spectral data. ¹H-NMR spectra of compounds 5a–d revealed the presence of doublet signal assigned to methylene CH₂ at δ 4.33–4.37 ppm. Further structural evidence of compounds 5a–d stemmed from the ¹³C-NMR spectra, which showed the presence of peaks at δ 37.74–42.55 ppm related to CH₂ carbon in addition to other signals due to aromatic carbons.

2.2. Biology

2.2.1. Cytotoxic Activity against Breast Cancer Cell Line MCF-7

Compounds 2–5d were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against breast cancer MCF-7 cell line by using an MTT colorimetric assay. The obtained results expressed as IC₅₀ values were summarized in

Table 1. Calculated IC₅₀ for compounds 2–5d against breast cancer cell line MCF-7 cells. Data expressed as the mean SE from the dose–response curve of at least three experiments.

Comp No.	IC50 Value (μM)
	MCF-7	MCF-10A
2	>50	NT
3	4.73 ± 0.27	NT
4a	27.31 ± 1.21	NT
4b	10.37 ± 1.09	NT
4c	26.15 ± 1.21	NT
4d	18.37 ± 1.14	NT
4e	2.11 ± 0.19	29.27 ± 1.21
5a	3.92 ± 0.21	NT
5b	5.03 ± 1.01	NT
5c	3.03 ± 0.39	NT
5d	2.61 ± 0.32	NT
Cisplatin	1.02 ± 0.12	22.62 ± 0.19

. Cisplatin was used as reference drug in this study. The obtained results of the tested molecules showed moderate to potent anticancer activity. The ester derivative 2 revealed weak activity (IC₅₀ > 50 μM) that is increased in the N-isopropylamide derivative 3 (IC₅₀ = 4.73 μM). Furthermore, N-aryl amide derivatives 4a–e exhibited IC₅₀ = 2.11–26.83 μM. Compound 4e (IC₅₀ = 2.11 μM) showed superior activity at the submicromolar level than other derivatives 4a–d. Regarding N-benzyl amide derivatives 5a–d, 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl amide derivative 5c (IC₅₀ = 2.61 μM) displayed higher cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 compared to other N-benzyl amide derivatives. Additionally, the therapeutic safety of N-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxy) aryl amide derivative 4e was determined by screening its cytotoxic activity against normal breast cell line (MCF-10A) using an MTT colorimetric assay. The results found that compound 4e revealed mild cytotoxic effects (IC₅₀ = 29.27 μM). These results indicate the selectivity of N-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxy) aryl amide derivative 4e for tumor cells and its relative safety for normal breast cells.

2.2.2. Tubulin Polymerization Inhibition Assays

In order to explore the cytotoxic activity of the prepared molecules for inhibition of tubulin polymerization, the localization tubulins were visualized in MCF-7 cells after treatment with compound 4e at its IC₅₀ concentration (2.11 μM) and Col at a concentration of 5 μM for 48 h and then submitted to immunofluorescence analysis under apotome fluorescence microscope. As shown in Figure 3A, compound 4e-treated MCF-7 cells showed abnormal tubulin expression patterns, and the cell–cell microtubules mesh is reduced and fragmented with malformed distribution compared with the untreated control.

In addition, the β-tubulin inhibition percentage was quantized using an ELISA assay after treatment with compounds 4e and colchicine (Col) using 5 μM concentration. β-tubulin inhibition analysis showed that compound 4e had good β-tubulin inhibition activity with 89% inhibition percentage that was nearly equipotent to Col, which had β-tubulin inhibition activity ≈ 93% (Figure 3B). The results in this experiment suggested that the mechanism of cytotoxicity of compound 4e might result from the inhibition of tubulin polymerization.

2.2.3. DNA Flow Cytometry Analysis

Cell Cycle Analysis

In order to study the mechanism of the cytotoxic activity of compound 4e, cell cycle analysis was investigated in breast cancer MCF-7 cells by DNA flow cytometry analysis at IC₅₀ dose values of compound 4e for 48 h. Paclitaxel (PTX, 0.1 μM) was used as the reference drug in this study. As revealed in Figure 4, exposure of MCF-7 cells to compound 4e resulted in interference of the normal cell distribution in the cell cycle profile of MCF-7 cells. Compound 4e increased the percentage of cells in G2/M phase from 8.39% to 42.50% compared with the untreated control sample. This effect was accompanied by an increase in the percentage of cells in pre-G₁ phase from 1.73% to 24.62%. Moreover, the capability of compound 4e in the induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells was superior over that of PTX. These results suggested that compound 4e induced cancer cell death via G2/M phase arrest with apoptosis inducing activity marked by the presence pre-G₁ peak in the cell cycle profile of MCF-7 cells, and it is in line with the previously discussed data.

Annexin V/ FITC Apoptosis Staining Assay

Apoptosis is a process of cell death with characteristic morphological and biochemical features distinguishable from those associated with necrosis or accidental death [19]. In order to determine the apoptosis inducing activity of compound 4e, a biparametric cytofluorimetric analysis was performed for the selected candidate at IC₅₀ (2.11 μM) using AnnexinV/Propidium iodide (PI). The obtained data in Figure 5 obviously indicate that compound 4e increased the percentage of cells at early and late stages compared to the untreated control. The percentage of early apoptotic cells increased by 6.23-fold compared to the untreated control. In addition, compound 4e increased the percentage of late apoptotic cells by 21.10-fold more than the untreated control. The data in this study indicate that compound 4e is an effective inducer of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells.

2.2.4. Caspase 3/7 Assay of Compound 4e

To confirm the apoptosis induced by compound 4e, caspase 3/7 stimulation assay were carried out for compound 4e at its IC₅₀ (2.11 μM) by using green flow cytometry analysis. The results showed that compound 4e highly stimulated caspase 3/7 by 6.95-fold more than the control. This experiment confirms that compound 4e stimulates caspase-3/7 activation and, hence, is involved in apoptosis induction in the MCF-7 cells (Figure 6).

2.2.5. Molecular Docking Study

Molecular docking simulation was performed for compound 4e into the active site of colchicine binding site in the tubulin protein (PDB code: 1SA0) in order to assess the possible binding interactions with the amino acid residue of the target protein. Figure 7 showed that compound 4e interacts through hydrogen bonding with the amino acids Thr 340 and Phe 296 by its C=O and amide NH groups, respectively. It also interacts through hydrophobic interaction by its furan and 3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl functions with the amino acid Pro 298 and Arg 339, respectively. Furthermore, the hydrophobicity of N-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxy) aryl amide molecule 4e resulted in the docking score of −13.31 kcal/mol. These findings revealed remarkably high binding affinity of N-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxy) aryl amide molecule 4e into the colchicine binding site of tubulin protein.

2.3. Evolvement of PEGylated Bilosomal Nano-Vesicles

2.3.1. In Silico Predictive ADME Study for Targeted Compound (4e)

The exploration of drug-likeness of compound and in silico pharmacokinetic properties was conducted via free web-based tool Swiss ADME (http://www.swissadme.ch/, accessed on 7 July 2021). These studies are correlated to the chemical structure of 4e, where certain parameters investigated included aqueous solubility level (LogS-SILICOS-IT), absorption Level, atom-based Log P (LogP 98), 2D polar surface area (2D TPSA), blood–brain barrier level (BBB LEV) and the probability of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP PROB) and cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). The obtained results were depicted as an ADMET plot in Figure 8 by using calculated TPSA-2D and W log P 98 properties.

BBB and human intestinal absorption (HIA) plots were examined for 4e. Figure 8 reveals the BBB plot and 4e fell outside the 99% and 95% ellipses, as the points on the Figure 8 resembles the molecules predicted to passively permeate through the BBB which indicates that it may not be ready to penetrate the blood–brain barrier. Moreover, the blue circle in Figure 8 denoted that the drug molecule was a substrate relative to P-glycoproteins, and it can be effluxed by it from CNS. Consequently, 4e may be anticipated to possess low CNS side effects. Consequently, 4e may be anticipated to possess low CNS side effects. Regarding the HIA plot, Figure 8 denotes that 4e is predicted to have moderate intestinal absorption due to higher number of molecules that can passively penetrate the intestine compared to that of BBB. Stunningly, the predicted poor water solubility of 4e (LogS-SILICOS-IT = −6.53; 1.39 × 10⁻⁴ mg/mL; 2.96 × 10⁻⁷ mol/L) was distinguished as a significant parameter that might impede the compound’s full potential cytotoxic activity and oral bioavailability. This was affirmed by the predicted oral bioavailability (PSA = 145.2). In general molecules with PSA > 140 are poor in bioavailability; thus, 4e possesses limited oral bioavailability. The CYP2D6 value predicts the inhibitory and non-inhibitory aspect of 4e on Cytochrome P450 2D6 enzyme. Compound 4e is predicted to be an inhibitor for CYP2D6; thus, drug–drug interactions and the side effects such as liver dysfunction are expected upon administration.

Based on the aforementioned results, bilosomes were proposed as an attempt to resolve the pitfalls that restrict the bioavailability, biological activity and cytotoxic activity of 4e. Bile salt stabilized nanovesicular systems are established via the incorporation of bile salts into the lipid bilayers of the ordinary customized nano-vesicular systems [31]. The prime advantages behind the use of these bile salts in various pharmaceutical industries include intestinal penetration enhancers that induce the oral bioavailability of the drugs suffering from diminished aqueous solubility or/and intestinal permeability [32]. In addition, the advantages also include coating the surface of the vesicles by adopting proper polymeric coating such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and establishing PEGylated bilosomes that are predisposed to diminishing systemic phagocytosis, resulting in an extension in systemic circulation duration in addition to the decline in toxicity profiles and elevating drug cellular uptake and cytotoxic activity [20]. Hence, the fabrication of 4e as PEGylated bilosomes was assumed to promote its bioavailability at the tumor post, thus boosting its cytotoxic activity.

2.3.2. Experimental Design, Fabrication and Statistical Evaluation of 4e Pegylated Bilosomes

In an attempt to explore the influence of the formulation variables on the proposed responses, 2³ full factorial designs were implemented. Thus, the construction of eight experimental runs and their corresponding responses resulted in the following: EE%, PS and ZP prevailed in

Table 2. 2³ full factorial experimental design; experimental runs, independent variables and estimated responses of 4e-loaded PEGylated bilsomes.

Formula	A (Bile Salt Type)	B (Bile Salt Amount)	C (DSPE–mPEG-2000 Amount)	A (EE%)	B (PS)	C (ZP)	PDI
F1	SDC	30	50	85.4 ± 4.7	249.9 ± 21.5	−45.9 ± 3.8	0.25 ± 0.02
F2	STC	30	50	65.6 ± 2.3	367.6 ± 29.7	−56.7 ± 7.4	0.21 ± 0.03
F3	SDC	15	50	93.2 ± 3.6	156.5 ± 18.2	−37.8 ± 2.6	0.31 ± 0.07
F4	STC	15	50	72.6 ± 2.1	219.8 ± 13.8	−47.7 ± 2.3	0.34 ± 0.05
F5	SDC	30	25	94.4 ± 4.2	432.4 ± 21.3	−38.3 ± 3.1	0.28 ± 0.085
F6	STC	30	25	77.3 ± 3.3	527.2 ± 24.6	−50.6 ± 5.6	0.56 ± 0.08
F7	SDC	15	25	100 ± 5.6	280.3 ± 15.4	−22.5 ± 3.4	0.23 ± 0.05
F8	STC	15	25	81.5 ± 2.9	336.2 ± 18.9	−35.8 ± 3.7	0.39 ± 0.074

Notes: All values exploited as mean ± SD (n = 3) span 60, and cholesterol amount was constant in all formulae (100 mg and 25 mg), respectively. Abbreviations: A, entrapment efficiency percentage (EE%); B, particle size (PS); C, zeta potential (ZP); PDI, polydispersity index.

. The appropriate precision value of the model is used to investigate its suitability in order to maneuver the design [33]. A surpassing ratio of four is endorsed, which was perceived for all the dependent variables, as illustrated in

Table 3. 2³ output factorial analysis data of 4e-loaded PEGylated bilsomes and the predicted and observed responses and deviation percent of the optimum formula (F7).

Responses	EE (%)	PS (nm)	ZP (mV)
R2	0.9999	0.9997	0.9994
Adjusted R2	0.9997	0.9979	0.996
Predicted R2	0.9970	0.9810	0.9633
Adequate precision	172.6	73.1	53.6
Significant factors	A, B, C	A, B, C	A, B, C
Observed value of the optimal formula (F7)	100	280.3	−22.5
Predicted value of the optimal formula (F7)	99.9	282.2	−22.73
Absolute deviation %	0.1	0.68	1.02

Abbreviations: EE%, entrapment efficiency percentage; PS, particle size; ZP, zeta potential.

. The adjusted and predicted R² should be within approximately 0.20 of each other to represent reasonable agreement. As shown in Table 3, the predicted R2 values were in good harmony with the adjusted R2 in all dependent variables. Drug examination at different concentrations was conducted by using HPLC at λ_max 254 nm, exhibiting linear relationships between the drug concentration and peak area, which obeyed Beer–Lambert’s law (R² = 0.9996) (Supplementary Materials Figure S1).

Influence of the Fabrication Variables on E.E%

Ultimately the investigation of entrapment efficiency grants a clue on the power of the investigated vesicles in disclosing a prominent amount of 4e. The percentage of 4e disclosed in the vesicles ranged from 65.5 ± 2.3% to 100 ± 5.6%, as shown in Table 3. ANOVA results affirmed that the model with all variable bile salt type (A), bile salt amount (B) and DSPE–mPEG-2000 amount (C) significantly impacted (p = 0.0128) EE%, which is graphically illustrated in 3D surface plots of Figure 9.

Taking into consideration bile salt type (A), the formulae composed of SDC exploited significant (p = 0.005) higher drug entrapment compared to formulae consisting of STC. This can be clarified on the basis of lipophilicity and HLB values of the incorporated bile salts, where the lipophilicity of SDC (HLB 16) is higher than STC (HLB 22.1) [34]. This elevated lipophilicity proposed an expanded lipophilic core of the vesicles for the lipophilic drug 4e to be disclosed in it [35].

ANOVA results declared that elevating the amount of bile salt (B) from 15 to 30 mg predisposed it to a prominent contrary impact on EE%. It was previously illustrated that the bile salts were capable of being assembled as helical mixed micelles in bilayers of the vesicles upon increasing its amount [36]. The increased bile salt amount will increase the possibility of the existence of mixed micelles which, in turn, will elevate the solubility of the drug 4e in the aqueous phase [35]. Furthermore, elevated amounts of bile salt predisposes it to increase the fluidity of the vesicular membranes, which makes it leakier; hence, EE% of 4e is diminished [35].

Regarding the impact of DSPE amount (C) on EE%, it can be observed that increasing the DSPE–mPEG-2000 amount from 25 to 50 mg resulted in a subsequent decline in EE%. This might be related to the creation of highly porous membranes upon increasing the amount of DSPE–mPEG-2000 [35], resulting in lessened EE% values. In addition, the higher solubilization power of DSPE–mPEG-2000 upon increasing its amount will potentially increase the solubility of 4e, resulting in less encapsulation efficiency [37].

PDI and the Influence of the Fabrication Variables on PS

PDI values figure out the level of monodispersity and the breadth of homogeneity: PDI values that proximate to zero denotes monodispersity, whilst the value that reaching one denotes polydispersity. The PDI values of 4e loaded pegylated bilosomes as demonstrated in Table 3 ranged from 0.23 ± 0.05 to 0.565 ± 0.08. Therefore, the vesicles’ PDI values resides toward polydipersity but within a convenient range [38]. It is worth mentioning that the capabilities of the drug molecules to penetrate intestinal membrane and its fate in blood circulation are accredited to the particle size, where the minute particles exploit promoted intestinal penetration and extended drug retention time, hence enhanced biological activity. Table 3 shows that the average particle size of the investigated formulae ranged from 156.5 ± 18.2 to 527.2.1 ± 24.6 nm. ANOVA results confirmed that the model with all formulation variables bile salt type (A), bile salt amount (B) and DSPE–mPEG-2000 amount (C) had a prominent impact on PS (p = 0.0323), which is graphically displayed in 3D surface plots (Figure 10).

Regarding the impact of bile salt type (A), the PS of formulae fabricated using STC was massively higher (p = 0.0297) than those fabricated using SDC. This could be justified by the bile salt of lower HLB exhibiting the potential to develope tiny vesicles due to the decline in the vesicular surface free energy [39]. Aburahma [24] demonstrated that the bile salt of higher molecular weight will be the bulkier, hence increasing PS. The variation in molecular weight of both STC (537.68 gm/mol) and SDC (414.6 gm/mol) can be considered one of the reasons behind the higher PS of STC formulae [24].

Stunningly, elevation in system viscosity can be observed when increasing molecular weight, subsequently predisposing it to vesicular aggregations and expansion of vesicular size [35].

On another hand, raising the amount of bile salt from 15 mg to 30 mg predisposes it to suppression in PS (p = 0.0169), and this may be due to the decline in vesicular surface tension [24]. In addition, it was previously illustrated that increasing the amount of bile salt results in the creation of mixed micelles that exploit increasingly diminished sizes compared to that of the formulated vesicles [35].

Increasing the amount of DSPE–mPEG-2000 from 25 mg to 50mg predisposes it to a significant (p = 0.0169) decline in PS, where it is proclaimed previously that the elevation in PEG content permits a reasonable degree of steric hindrance resulting in the suppression of vesicular settling down and agglomeration, hence prohibiting vesicular aggregation and an increase in vesicular PS slows down the rate of vesicles’ precipitation and, hence, hinders vesicles’ agglomeration [37].

The Influence of the Compounding Variables on ZP

Zeta potential (ZP) offers a clue utilized in the appraisal of the extent of the vesicular system stability as it investigates the ultimate charges on the surface of the vesicles. Basically, ZP values around ± 30 Mv stands for the stability of the system, and this can be anticipated to be the confirmed electric repulsion between the vesicles [31]. In the conducted experiment, the assessed ZP values that form the prepared 4e loaded PEGylated bilosomes ranged from −22.5 ± 3. 4 to −56.7 ± 7.4 mV (Table 3). ANOVA results showed that the model with all incorporated variables bile salt type (A), bile salt amount (B) and DSPE–mPEG-2000 (C) significantly influenced ZP (p = 0.0449), which is graphically illustrated in 3D surface plots (Figure 11).

ANOVA results revealed that by changing the type of bile salt (A), the formulae composed of STC exploited significant higher electronegativity (p = 0.0261) than those composed of SDC, and this may be attributed to the difference in the number of OH groups in the two incorporated bile salts as STC bears three hydroxyl group while SDC bears two hydroxyl groups [40]. In addition, the allocation of extensively charged taurine amino acid conjugated in the bile salt raised the negativity of ZP [35]. Moreover, the difference in molecular weight between the two bile salts (STC > SDC), as previously discussed, predisposes it to extensive accumulation of negative charges on the vesicular surface with the bulkier bile salt, as in case of STC [36].

Concerning amount of bile salt (B), the negative ZP values significantly (p = 0.0253) enlarged upon increasing the bile salts’ concentration from 15 mg to 30 mg due to the anionic character of the incorporated bile salts acquired by the presence of negatively charged groups in their structures [35].

Moreover, increasing the amount of DSPE–mPEG-2000 (C) from 25 mg to 50 mg results in significant (p = 0.0296) elevation in ZP values. This may be attributed to the creation of the electro negative layer of DSPE–mPEG on the vesicular surface, as DSPE–mPEG is characterized by its anionic nature acquired from the negatively charged functional groups in its structure [21]. These results are in accordance to Muthu et al., who revealed that the PEG coating results in an excessive negative charge on the coated vesicular surface compared to uncoated vesicles [21].

2.3.3. Statistical Optimization and Validation of the Optimal 4e-Loaded PEGylated Bilosomes

Based on the precursive results, the optimal formula was elected by using Design expert software after the analysis of the results of the dependent variables. F7 composed of SDC as bile salt (amount of bile salt = 15 mg; amount of DSPE–mPEG-2000 = 25 mg) was found to be the optimal formula with a desirability value 0.868. In addition, the validity of our models was assessed by investigation of the percentage of discrepancy between the predicted and observed values concerning %EE, PS and ZP. As elicited from Table 3, the small percent of discrepancy as an absolute value (less than 10%) convinces the appropriateness of the statistical design to data analysis [41]. Figure 12 reveals the optimum criteria for 4e-PEGylated bilosomal formulation for emulation.

2.3.4. In Vitro Investigation of the Optimized 4e-Loaded PEGylated Bilosome

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

Figure 13 revealed the DSC thermograms of pure 4e compound, cholesterol, plain lyophilized formula and the optimal lyophilized 4e-loaded PEGylated bilosome (F7). DSC thermogram of pure 4e conveyed an acute pointed distinctive endotherm at approximately 227.4 °C, which is equivalent to its melting point, while cholesterol exhibited an endothemic peak at 148.5 °C corresponding to its melting point. DSC thermogram of lyophilized plain and 4e-loaded PEGylated bilosome (F7) showed no characteristic peak of 4e when assuming the complete remodeling of 4e and other components as span 60, DSPE–mPEG-2000 and cholesterol from a crystalline to amorphous form, proposing good encapsulation of the drug within the vesicles.

Transmission Electron Microscope TEM

The configuration of TEM that is obviously emerged in Figure 14 assured that the bilosomal vesicles were spherical multilamellar vesicles (MLVs), and no vesicles with abnormal shapes were obvious. In addition, TEM image manifested that the vesicles had a smooth surface within the vicinity of PEG (faded colored fringe [42] surrounding the vesicles devoided of any drug crystal conforming the complete conformation of the drug into amorphous configuration, and it came in accordance to the results of DSC).

In Vitro Drug Release of Optimal Formula (F7) Correlated to 4e Suspension

The manipulation of the in vitro release profile of drug loaded pegylated bilosome is in accordance to the extent of drug solubilization, stability and drug release configuration. Figure 15 revealed the gradual release of the drug from the optimized formula (F7) at 24 h, where the cumulated released amount of drug from F7 was 95.72 ± 3.82% compared to 24.35 ± 2.24% for the 4e suspension (p < 0.05). This can be accredited to their characteristic as a colloidal particulate carriers pretending to be a drug pool [34]. Furthermore, (F7) release pattern primarily characterized by burst phases consequently controlled the drug release phase. Thus, 4e-loaded PEGylated bilosome was assumed to serve as stabilized nano-vesicles for extended period of time and guided the rise in agglomeration of 4e at the tumor location [43]. These results may be accredited to the PEGylated layer that surrounds the vesicular surface, resulting in higher drug solubilization and increased rate of drug releases, and this due to the impact of hydrophilic and solubilization power of PEG to the drug [37].

Cytotoxic Activity of the Optimized Formula (F7) Compared to Target Compound 4e

Cytotoxic activity against breast cancer MCF-7 cell line using MTT colorimetric assay was conducted for compound 4e in its pure form correlated to optimal 4e-loaded in the PEGylated bilosomal formula (F7), where the acquired IC₅₀ values were 2.11 μM for pure 4e and was significantly (p < 0.05) diminished at 0.75 ± 0.03 μM (Figure 16). It is worthy to mention that according to the characteristics of 4e as being lipophilic in nature (Consensus LogPo/w = 3.56) with diminished aqueous solubility, it assumed to exploit an extensive suppression in its oral bioavailability [44]. The inclusion of 4e in PEGylated bilosomal nano vesicles was very beneficial, and this was accredited to the significant improvement in 4e solubility; thus, pegylation was approved to be utilized as solubility and absorption enhancers as well as for improving cellular uptake and cytotoxic activity on targeted cancer cells and elongation of drug circulation time up to more than 24 h [43]. Thus, F7 exhibits boosted cytotoxic efficacy than compared to the 4e pure form alone, and this is in accordance to many studies that rely on PEGylated nano-vesicles in increasing the cytotoxic effect of the anticancer drugs towards the cancer cells [21,45].

3. Material and Methods

3.1. Material

Melting points were determined on open glass capillaries using Gallenkamp apparatus and are uncorrected. Infrared spectra were measured on a Shimadzu FT-IR 8400s infrared spectrophotometer (cm⁻¹) using KBr disks, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. ¹H and ¹³C-NMR spectra were determined in DMSO-d₆ with Bruker Avance-400 spectrometer operating at 400 MHz and 100 MHz, respectively, at Applied Nucleic Acid Research Centre (ANARC), Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt. TLC was performed on 2.5 × 5 cm aluminum plates coated with silicagel 60F-254 (Merk, Germany) in an appropriate solvent. Span 60 was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Chemical Co. (St. Louis, MO, USA). Sodium taurocholate (STC) and sodium deoxycholate (SDC) were purchased from BASF Co. (Florham Park, NJ, USA). 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N [methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPE–mPEG-2000) was a generous gift from Lipoid GmbH (Ludwigshafen, Germany). Cholesterol was obtained from ITX Biomedicals (Santa Ana, CA, USA). Sodium hydroxide, potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate and absolute ethanol were purchased from El-Nasr Chemical Co., Cairo, Egypt. The Spectra/PoreVR dialysis membrane (12,000–14,000 molecular weight cut off) was purchased from Spectrum Laboratories Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA. All chemicals and solvents were of HPLC grade and were used as received.

3.2. Chemistry

3.2.1. General Procedure for the Synthesis of 4-(Furan-2-ylmethylene)-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)oxazol-5(4H)-one (1)

A mixture of furfural (0.01 mol), 2-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamide)acetic acid (0.01 mol), freshly fused sodium acetate (0.01 mol) and acetic anhydride (0.03 mol), was placed in a 500 mL conical flask, and the reaction mixture was heated for about 3 h. Moreover, ethanol (50 mL) was added slowly to the reaction mixture, and the mixture was left overnight in a refrigerator. The crystalline product that was obtained was filtered off, washed with ice-cold ethanol (30 mL) and dried. Recrystallization from 1,4-dioxane was conducted in order to obtain compound 1.

Yellow powder (2.67 g, 81.18%); m.p 183–185 °C; IR (KBr, ν_max cm⁻¹): 3071, 3052 (arom.CH), 2897 (aliph.CH), 1803 (C=O lactone), 1606, 1593 (C=C). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ ppm): 3.80 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.92 (s, 6H, 2OCH₃), 6.77–6.93 (m, 1H, furan CH), 7.21 (s, 1H, olefinic CH), 7.37 (s, 2H, arom. CH), 7.66 (d, J = 3.6 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 8.00 – 8.15 (m, 1H, furan CH). ¹³C-NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d_6, δ ppm): 56.20 (2OCH₃), 60.35 (OCH₃), 105.18 (C2,6 trimethoxyphenyl), 114.25 (C3 furan), 117.11 (C4 furan), 120.05 (C1 trimethoxyphenyl), 120.52 (olefinic CH), 130.03 (olefinic CH), 142.20 (C4 trimethoxyphenyl), 147.93 (C5 furan), 149.87 (C2 furan), 153.28 (C3,5 trimethoxyphenyl), 161.94 (C2 oxazolone), 166.50 (C=O oxazolone). Analytically calculated for C₁₇H₁₅NO₆ (329.30). Calculated: C, 62.00; H, 4.59; N, 4.25. Found: C, 61.95; H, 4.68; N, 4.33.

3.2.2. General Procedure for the Synthesis of Ethyl 3-(Furan-2-yl)-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamido)acrylate (2)

A mixture of oxazolone 1 (0.005 mol), Et₃N (0.005 mol) in absolute ethanol (30 mL) was heated under reflux for 1 h. After completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture was cooled and poured into ice cold water and left to stand at room temperature for an additional 1 h. The solid product was collected, washed with water and dried to produce compound 2, which was purified by crystallization from absolute ethanol.

White powder (1.37 g, 73.19%); m.p 126–128 °C; IR (KBr, ν_max cm⁻¹): 3470 (NH), 3071, 3052 (arom.CH), 2897 (aliph.CH), 1756, 1692 (C=O), 1606, 1593 (C=C). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ ppm): 1.23 (t, 3H, OCH₂CH₃), 3.89 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.91 (s, 6H, 2OCH₃), 4.19 (q, 2H, OCH₂CH₃), 6.63 (dd, J = 3.4, 1.7 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 6.87 (d, J = 3.4 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 7.25 (s, 1H, olefinic CH), 7.34 (s, 2H, arom. CH), 7.86 (d, J = 1.4 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 9.89 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchange). ¹³C-NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d_6, δ ppm): 14.14 (CH₃), 56.05 (2OCH₃), 60.10 (OCH₃), 60.86 (CH₂), 105.27 (C2,6 trimethoxyphenyl), 112.58 (C3 ethyl acrylate), 115.91 (C3 furan), 120.81 (C4 furan), 123.72 (C2 ethyl acrylate), 128.51 (C1 trimethoxyphenyl), 140.47 (C4 trimethoxyphenyl), 145.59 (C5 furan), 149.17 (C2 furan), 152.71 (C3,5 trimethoxyphenyl), 164.47 (C1 ethyl acrylate), 164.96 (C=O). Analytically calculated for C₁₉H₂₁NO₇ (375.37). Calculated: C, 60.79; H, 5.64; N, 3.73. Found: C, 61.05; H, 5.72; N, 3.55.

3.2.3. General Procedure for the Synthesis of N-[1-(Furan-2-yl)-3-(isopropylamino)-3-oxoprop-1-en-2-yl]-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamide (3)

A mixture of 4-(furan-2-ylmethylene)-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)oxazol-5(4H)-one (1) (0.005 mol) and isopropylamine (0.005 mol) in ethanol (30 mL) was refluxed for 1 h. The crystals that separated upon cooling the reaction mixture were collected and recrystallized from absolute ethanol to produce compound 3.

White powder (1.42 g, 72.90%); m.p 168–170 °C; IR (KBr, ν_max cm⁻¹): 3470 (NH), 3071, 3052 (arom.CH), 2897 (aliph.CH), 1756, 1692 (C=O), 1606, 1593 (C=C). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ ppm): 1.12 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 6H, 2CH₃), 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.86 (s, 6H, 2OCH₃), 3.94–4.06 (m, 1H, methylidene CH), 6.57 (dd, J = 3.4, 1.8 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 6.66 (d, J = 3.4 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 7.03 (s, 1H, olefinic CH), 7.38 (s, 2H, arom. CH), 7.75 (d, J = 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchange), 9.67 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchange). ¹³C-NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d_6, δ ppm): 22.23 (2CH₃), 40.97 (methylidene CH), 56.07 (2OCH₃), 60.10 (OCH₃), 105.49 (C2,6 trimethoxybenzamide), 112.19 (olefinic CH), 113.36 (C3 furan), 116.27 (C4 furan), 128.06 (C1 trimethoxybenzamide), 128.96 (olefinic CH), 140.33(C4 trimethoxybenzamide), 144.22 (C5 furan), 149.85 (C2 furan), 152.58 (C3,5 trimethoxybenzamide), 163.58 (C=O), 164.75 (C=O trimethoxybenzamide). Analytically calculated for C₂₀H₂₄N₂O₆ (388.41). Calculated: C, 61.84; H, 6.23; N, 7.21. Found: C, 61.62; H, 6.35; N, 7.26.

3.2.4. General Procedure for the Synthesis of N-[1-(Furan-2-yl)-3-oxo-3-(arylamino)prop-1-en-2-yl]-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamide 4a–e

A mixture of 4-(furan-2-ylmethylene)-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)oxazol-5(4H)-one (1) (0.005 mol) and the appropriate aromatic amines (0.005 mol) in absolute ethanol (25 mL) was refluxed for 3–4 h. The crystals that separated upon cooling the reaction mixture were collected and recrystallized from absolute ethanol to produce products 4a–e.

N-[1-(Furan-2-yl)-3-oxo-3-(o-tolylamino)prop-1-en-2-yl]-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamide (4a)

White crystals (1.82 g, 83.48%); m.p 222–224 °C; IR (KBr, ν_max cm⁻¹): 3470 (NH), 3071, 3052 (arom.CH), 2897 (aliph.CH), 1756, 1692 (C=O), 1606, 1593 (C=C). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ ppm): 2.51 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.78 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.89 (s, 6H, 2OCH₃), 6.85 (dd, J = 3.4, 1.4 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 7.06 (d, J = 3.4, 1H, furan CH), 7.20 (s, 1H, olefinic CH), 7.31 (s, 2H, arom. CH), 7.36–7.39 (m, 2H, arom. CH), 7.59 (d, J = 3.4 Hz, 1H, arom. CH), 7.66 (d, J = 3.5 Hz, 1H, arom. CH), 8.07–8.12 (m, 1H, furan CH), 8.30 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchange), 10.18 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchange). ¹³C-NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d_6, δ ppm): 21.05 (CH₃), 56.04 (2OCH₃), 60.28 (OCH₃), 105.62 (C2,6 trimethoxybenzamide), 114.08 (olefinic CH),114.24 (C3 furan),114.45 (C4 furan), 117.10 (C6 tolyl), 119.40 (C5 tolyl), 120.04 (C1 trimethoxybenzamide), 122.27 (C4 tolyl), 130.03 (C3 tolyl), 133.42 (C2 tolyl), 140.94 (olefinic CH), 147.09 (C1 tolyl), 147.91 (C4 trimethoxybenzamide), 149.87 (C5 furan), 152.81 (C3,5 trimethoxybenzamide), 157.30 (C5 furan), 166.50 (C=O trimethoxybenzamide), 167.70 (C=O amide). Analytically calculated for C₂₄H₂₄N₂O₆ (436.46). Calculated: C, 66.04; H, 5.54; N, 6.42. Found: C, 66.13; H, 5.61; N, 6.36.

N-[1-(Furan-2-yl)-3-oxo-3-(m-tolylamino)prop-1-en-2-yl]-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamide (4b)

White crystals (1.92 g, 88.07%); m.p 217–219 °C; IR (KBr, ν_max cm⁻¹): 3470 (NH), 3071, 3052 (arom.CH), 2897 (aliph.CH), 1756, 1692 (C=O), 1606, 1593 (C=C). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ ppm): 2.28 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.87 (s, 6H, 2OCH₃), 6.61 (dd, J = 3.3, 1.7 Hz, 1H, arom. CH), 6.77 (d, J = 3.4 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 6.89 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H, arom. CH), 7.10 (s, 1H, olefinic CH), 7.19 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H, arom. CH), 7.42 (s, 2H, arom. CH), 7.49–7.59 (m, 2H, furan and arom. CH), 7.77–7.85 (m, 1H, furan CH), 10.06 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchange), 10.15 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchange). ¹³C-NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d_6, δ ppm): 21.19 (CH₃), 56.06 (2OCH₃), 60.12 (OCH₃), 105.57 (C2,6 trimethoxybenzamide), 112.35 (olefinic CH), 113.98 (C3 furan), 116.69 (C4 furan), 117.35 (C6 tolyl), 120.68 (C5 tolyl), 124.10 (C1 trimethoxybenzamide), 128.32 (C4 tolyl), 128.82 (olefinic CH), 137.60 (C2 tolyl), 139.14 (C1 tolyl), 140.40 (C4 trimethoxybenzamide), 144.54 (C5 furan), 149.77 (C2 furan), 152.61 (C3,5 trimethoxybenzamide), 163.57 (C=O trimethoxybenzamide), 165.12 (C=O amide). Analytically calculated for C₂₄H₂₄N₂O₆ (436.46). Calculated: C, 66.04; H, 5.54; N, 6.42. Found: C, 66.10; H, 5.47; N, 6.39.

N-[1-(Furan-2-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenylamino)-3-oxoprop-1-en-2-yl]-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamide (4c)

Pale yellow crystals (1.78 g, 78.59%); m.p 249–251 °C; IR (KBr, ν_max cm⁻¹): 3470 (NH), 3071, 3052 (arom.CH), 2897 (aliph.CH), 1756, 1692 (C=O), 1606, 1593 (C=C). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ ppm): 3.73 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.87 (s, 6H, 2OCH₃), 6.61 (dd, J = 3.3, 1.8 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 6.75 (d, J = 3.4 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 6.82–6.95 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H, arom. CH), 7.11 (s, 1H, olefinic CH), 7.41 (s, 2H, arom. CH), 7.62 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H, arom. CH), 7.80 (d, J = 1.3 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 9.94 (s, 2H, 2NH, D₂O exchange). ¹³C-NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d_6, δ ppm): 55.16 (OCH₃), 56.07 (2OCH₃), 60.12 (OCH₃), 105.57 (C2,6 trimethoxybenzamide), 112.33 (olefinic CH), 113.61 (C3,5 methoxyphenyl), 113.61 (C3 furan), 116.58 (C4 furan), 121.78 (C2,6 methoxyphenyl), 128.22 (C1 trimethoxybenzamide), 128.84 (C1 methoxyphenyl), 132.26 (olefinic CH), 140.40 (C4 trimethoxybenzamide), 144.52 (C5 furan), 149.79 (C2 furan), 152.61 (C3,5 trimethoxybenzamide), 155.40 (C4 methoxyphenyl), 163.15 (C=O trimethoxybenzamide), 165.09 (C=O amide). Analytically calculated for C₂₄H₂₄N₂O₇ (452.46). Calculated: C, 63.71; H, 5.35; N, 6.19. Found: C, 63.88; H, 5.27; N, 6.24.

N-[1-(Furan-2-yl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenylamino)-3-oxoprop-1-en-2-yl]-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamide (4d)

White crystals (1.65 g, 75.17%); m.p 214–216 °C; IR (KBr, ν_max cm⁻¹): 3470 (NH), 3071, 3052 (arom.CH), 2897 (aliph.CH), 1756, 1692 (C=O), 1606, 1593 (C=C). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ ppm): 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.86 (s, 6H, 2OCH₃), 6.60 (dd, J = 3.2, 1.7 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 6.71 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H, arom. CH), 6.74 (d, J = 3.4 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 7.10 (s, 1H, olefinic CH), 7.41 (s, 2H, arom. CH), 7.47 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H, arom. CH), 7.73–7.88 (m, 1H, furan CH), 9.83 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchange), 9.97 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchange). ¹³C-NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d_6, δ ppm): 56.09 (2OCH₃), 60.14 (OCH₃), 105.59 (C2,6 trimethoxybenzamide), 112.33 (olefinic CH), 113.61 (C3 furan), 114.89 (C3,5 hydroxyphenyl), 116.56 (C4 furan), 122.07 (C2,6 hydroxyphenyl), 128.34 (C1 trimethoxybenzamide), 128.89 (C1 hydroxyphenyl), 130.70 (olefinic CH), 140.41 (C4 trimethoxybenzamide), 144.48 (C5 furan), 149.84 (C2 furan), 152.62 (C3,5 trimethoxybenzamide), 153.62 (C4 hydroxyphenyl), 163.00 (C=O trimethoxybenzamide), 165.13 (C=O amide). Analytically calculated for C₂₃H₂₂N₂O₇ (438.43). Calculated: C, 63.01; H, 5.06; N, 6.39. Found: C, 62.91; H, 5.12; N, 6.47.

N-[1-(Furan-2-yl)-3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenylamino)-3-oxoprop-1-en-2-yl]-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamide (4e)

Pale yellow crystals (1.90 g, 81.19%); m.p 226–228 °C; IR (KBr, ν_max cm⁻¹): 3470 (NH), 3071, 3052 (arom.CH), 2897 (aliph.CH), 1756, 1692 (C=O), 1606, 1593 (C=C). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ ppm): 33.73 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.87 (s, 6H, 2OCH₃), 6.60 (dd, J = 3.3, 1.8 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 6.75 (d, J = 3.4 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 6.84 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H, arom. CH), 7.04–7.10 (m, 2H, arom. and olefinic CH), 7.28 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H, arom. CH), 7.41 (s, 2H, arom. CH), 7.79 (d, J = 1.3 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 9.81 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchange), 9.93 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchange). ¹³C-NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d_6, δ ppm): 55.87 (OCH₃), 56.08 (2OCH₃), 60.13 (OCH₃), 105.56 (C2,6 trimethoxybenzamide), 108.63 (C2 hydroxymethoxyphenyl), 111.14 (olefinic CH), 112.18 (C3 furan), 112.32 (C4 furan), 113.87 (C5 hydroxymethoxyphenyl), 116.49 (C6 hydroxymethoxyphenyl), 128.31 (C1 trimethoxybenzamide), 128.85 (C1 hydroxymethoxyphenyl), 132.69 (olefinic CH), 140.41 (C4 trimethoxybenzamide), 144.00 (C5 furan), 144.49 (C4 hydroxymethoxyphenyl), 146.20 (C3 hydroxymethoxyphenyl), 149.80 (C2 furan), 152.62 (C3,5 trimethoxybenzamide), 163.03 (C=O trimethoxybenzamide), 165.08 (C=O amide). Analytically calculated for C₂₄H₂₄N₂O₈ (468.46). Calculated: C, 61.53; H, 5.16; N, 5.98. Found: C, 61.61; H, 5.21; N, 5.91.

3.2.5. General Procedure for the Synthesis of N-[3-(Arylamino)-1-(furan-2-yl)-3-oxoprop-1-en-2-yl]-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamide 5a–d

A mixture of oxazolone 1 (0.005 mol), substituted benzyl amines (0.005 mol) and anhydrous sodium acetate (0.006) in glacial acetic acid (30 mL) was heated under reflux for 1–2 h. The reaction mixture was cooled, and the resulting solid was filtered off, dried and crystallized from acetic acid/water to provide compounds 5a–d.

N-[1-(Furan-2-yl)-3-((3-methylbenzyl)amino)-3-oxoprop-1-en-2-yl]-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamide (5a)

White powder (1.74 g, 77.41%); m.p 175–177 °C; IR (KBr, ν_max cm⁻¹): 3470 (NH), 3071, 3052 (arom.CH), 2897 (aliph.CH), 1756, 1692 (C=O), 1606, 1593 (C=C). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ ppm): 2.29 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.87 (s, 6H, 2OCH₃), 4.35 (d, J = 6.1 Hz, 2H, CH₂NH), 6.59 (dd, J = 3.4, 1.8 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 6.72 (d, J = 3.4 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 7.04 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H, arom. CH), 7.10 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H, arom. CH), 7.13 (s, 1H, olefinic CH), 7.16–7.25 (m, 2H, arom. CH), 7.41 (s, 2H, arom. CH), 7.78 (d, J = 1.4 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 8.61 (t, J = 6.1 Hz, 1H, NH, D₂O exchange), 9.80 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchange). ¹³C-NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d_6, δ ppm): 21.05 (CH₃), 42.55 (methylene CH₂), 56.09 (2OCH₃), 60.13 (OCH₃), 105.61 (C2,6 trimethoxybenzamide), 112.31 (olefinic CH), 113.96 (C3 furan), 117.66 (C4 furan), 124.23 (C6 methylbenzyl), 127.18 (C4 methylbenzyl), 127.50 (C5 methylbenzyl), 127.81 (C1 trimethoxybenzamide), 128.04 (C2 methylbenzyl), 129.00 (olefinic CH), 137.12 (C1 methylbenzyl), 139.65 (C3 methylbenzyl), 140.38 (C4 trimethoxybenzamide), 144.57 (C5 furan), 149.79 (C2 furan), 152.58 (C3,5 trimethoxybenzamide), 164.39 (C=O amide), 165.22 (C=O trimethoxybenzamide). Analytically calculated for C₂₅H₂₆N₂O₆ (450.48): C, 66.65; H, 5.82; N, 6.22. Found: C, 66.92; H, 5.91; N, 6.29.

N-[1-(Furan-2-yl)-3-((2-methoxybenzyl)amino)-3-oxoprop-1-en-2-yl]-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamide (5b)

White powder (1.67 g, 71.72%); m.p 166–168 °C; IR (KBr, ν_max cm⁻¹): 3470 (NH), 3071, 3052 (arom.CH), 2897 (aliph.CH), 1756, 1692 (C=O), 1606, 1593 (C=C). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ ppm): 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.79 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.86 (s, 6H, 2OCH₃), 4.34 (d, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H, CH₂NH), 6.58 (dd, J = 3.4, 1.8 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 6.72 (d, J = 3.4 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 6.90 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H, arom. CH), 6.96 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H, arom. CH), 7.18–7.28 (m, 3H, olefinic and arom. CH), 7.40 (s, 2H, arom. CH), 7.77 (d, J = 1.4 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 8.43 (t, J = 6.1 Hz, 1H, NH, D₂O exchange), 9.82 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchange). ¹³C-NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d_6, δ ppm): 37.74 (methylene CH₂), 55.27 (OCH₃), 56.11 (2OCH₃), 60.14 (OCH₃), 105.60 (C2,6 trimethoxybenzamide), 110.21 (olefinic CH), 112.32 (C3 methoxybenzyl), 114.07 (C3 furan), 117.74 (C4 furan), 120.07 (C5 methoxybenzyl), 126.93 (C1 methoxybenzyl), 127.14 (C4 methoxybenzyl), 127.39 (C6 methoxybenzyl), 127.69 (C1 trimethoxybenzamide), 129.01 (olefinic CH), 140.39 (C4 trimethoxybenzamide), 144.62 (C5 furan), 149.78 (C2 furan), 152.59 (C3,5 trimethoxybenzamide), 156.25 (C2 methoxybenzyl), 164.46 (C=O amide), 165.36 (C=O trimethoxybenzamide). Analytically calculated for C₂₅H₂₆N₂O₇ (466.48): C, 64.37; H, 5.62; N, 6.01. Found: C, 64.29; H, 5.55; N, 6.09.

N-[1-(Furan-2-yl)-3-(3-methoxybenzylamino)-3-oxoprop-1-en-2-yl]-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamide (5c)

White powder (1.83 g, 78.52%); m.p 164–166 °C; IR (KBr, ν_max cm⁻¹): 3470 (NH), 3071, 3052 (arom.CH), 2897 (aliph.CH), 1756, 1692 (C=O), 1606, 1593 (C=C). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ ppm): 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.76 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.87 (s, 6H, 2OCH₃), 4.37 (d, J = 6.1 Hz, 2H, CH₂NH), 6.59 (dd, J = 3.3, 1.8 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 6.73 (d, J = 3.4 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 6.78 (dd, J = 8.1, 2.1 Hz, 1H, arom. CH), 6.88 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H, arom. CH), 6.92 (s, 1H, olefinic CH), 7.20 (s, 1H, arom. CH), 7.23 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H, arom. CH), 7.41 (s, 2H, arom. CH), 7.78 (s, 1H, furan CH), 8.64 (t, J = 6.1 Hz, NH, D₂O exchange), 9.83 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchange). ¹³C-NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d_6, δ ppm): 42.46 (methylene CH₂), 54.95 (OCH₃), 56.07 (2OCH₃), 60.12 (OCH₃), 105.59 (C2,6 trimethoxybenzamide), 112.18 (olefinic CH), 112.29 (C2 methoxybenzyl), 112.43 (C4 methoxybenzyl), 113.97 (C3 furan), 117.53 (C4 furan), 119.18 (C6 methoxybenzyl), 127.53 (C1 trimethoxybenzamide), 128.94 (C5 methoxybenzyl), 129.10 (olefinic CH), 140.38 (C1 methoxybenzyl), 141.41 (C4 trimethoxybenzamide), 144.57 (C5 furan), 149.77 (C1 furan), 152.56 (C3,5 trimethoxybenzamide), 159.30 (C3 methoxybenzyl), 164.38 (C=O), 165.25 (C=O trimethoxybenzamide). Analytically calucated for C₂₅H₂₆N₂O₇ (466.48): C, 64.37; H, 5.62; N, 6.01. Found: C, 64.47; H, 5.79; N, 6.93.

N-[3-((3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl)amino)-1-(furan-2-yl)-3-oxoprop-1-en-2-yl]-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamide (5d)

White powder (1.69 g, 68.16%); m.p 124-126 °C; IR (KBr, ν_max cm⁻¹): 3470 (NH), 3071, 3052 (arom.CH), 2897 (aliph.CH), 1756, 1692 (C=O), 1606, 1593 (C=C). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ ppm): 3.72 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.77 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.87 (s, 6H, 2OCH₃), 4.33 (d, J = 6.1 Hz, 2H, CH₂NH), 6.59 (dd, J = 3.4, 1.8 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 6.72 (d, J = 3.4 Hz, 1H, furan CH), 6.82 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H, arom. CH), 6.87 (s, 1H, olefinic CH), 6.97 (d, J = 1.9 Hz, 1H, arom. CH), 7.17 (s, 1H, arom. CH), 7.41 (s, 2H, arom. CH), 7.78 (s, 1H, furan CH), 8.58 (t, J = 6.1 Hz, 1H, NH, D₂O exchange), 9.84 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchange). ¹³C-NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d_6, δ ppm): 42.19 (methylene CH₂), 55.35 (OCH₃), 55.58 (OCH₃), 56.06 (2OCH₃), 60.11 (OCH₃), 105.57 (C2,6 trimethoxybenzamide), 111.13 (C2 dimethoxybenzyl), 111.62 (olefinic CH), 112.27 (C5 dimethoxybenzyl), 113.87 (C3 furan), 117.27 (C4 furan), 119.01 (C6 dimethoxybenzyl), 127.71 (C1 trimethoxybenzamide), 128.88 (C1 dimethoxybenzyl), 132.24 (olefinic CH), 140.37 (C4 trimethoxybenzamide), 144.51 (C5 furan), 147.52 (C4 dimethoxybenzyl), 148.62 (C2 furan), 149.77 (C3 dimethoxybenzyl), 152.56 (C3,5 trimethoxybenzamide), 164.30 (C=O amide), 165.20 (C=O trimethoxybenzamide). Analytically calculated for C₂₆H₂₈N₂O₈ (496.51): C, 62.89; H, 5.68; N, 5.64. Found: C, 63.03; H, 5.62; N, 5.56.

3.3. Biological Studies

3.3.1. Cytotoxic Activity against Breast MCF-7 Cancer Cell Line

Cytotoxic activity of the newly prepared acrylamide derivatives 2–5d were carried out against breast MCF-7 cancer cell line using the MTT assay method. Compound 4e was screened for its effects on normal breast cell line MCF-10A. Cells at density of 1 × 10⁴ were seeded in a 96-well plate at 37 °C for 48 h under 5% CO₂. After incubation, the cells were treated with different concentrations of the test compounds and incubated for 24 h. After 24 h of drug treatment, 20 μL of MTT solution at 5 mg/mL was applied and incubated for 4 h at 37 °C. Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) in volume of 100 µL was added to each well to dissolve the purple formazan that had formed. The color intensity of the formazan product, which represents the growth condition of the cells, is quantified by using an ELISA plate reader (EXL 800, USA) at 570 nm absorbance. The experimental conditions were carried out with at least three replicates, and the experiments were repeated at least three times.

3.3.2. Tubulin Assays

Compound 4e and Col were evaluated against tubulin polymerization inhibitory activity according to manufacturer’s instructions [26].

3.3.3. DNA Flow Cytometry Analysis

Cell Cycle Analysis Compound 4e

MCF-7 cells (2 × 10⁵/well) were harvested and washed twice in PBS. After that, the cells were incubated at 37 °C and 5% CO₂. The medium was replaced with DMSO 1% v/v containing the tested compound 4e (2.11 μM) and PTX (0.1 μM), then incubated for 48 h, washed twice in PBS, fixed with 70% ethanol, rinsed again with PBS and then stained with DNA fluorochrome PI for 15 min at 37 °C. The samples were analyzed by flow cytometry on a FACS Calibur flow cytometer (Becton and Dickinson, Heidelberg, Germany).

Annexin V FITC/PI Apoptosis Detection Staining Assay

Apoptotic cells death was investigated by using fluorescent Annexin V-FITC/ PI detection kit by flow cytometry assay. Briefly, MCF-7 cells (2 × 10⁵) after incubation for 12 h were used. Cells were treated with compound 4e (2.11 μM) and PTX (0.1 μM) for 48 h, then the cells were harvested and stained with Annexin V-FITC/ PI dye for 15 min in the dark at 37 °C. The samples were analyzed by using FACS Calibur flow cytometer (Becton and Dickinson, Heidelberg, Germany).

3.3.4. Caspase 3/7 Green Flow Cytometry Assay

The enzymatic activities of caspase 3/7 in MCF-7 cell line was detected in the presence of compound 4e (2.11 μM) and PTX (0.1 μM) using caspase 3/7 green flow cytometry assay kit as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Briefly, PTX and compound 4e treated MCF-7 cells (2.5 × 10⁵/mL) were washed with ice cold PBS, and cell lysates were prepared and combined with reaction buffer and incubated with specific colorimetric substrates (Caspase 3/7 Detection Reagent) at 37 °C for 6 h. The samples were analyzed at 488 nm in a BD FACS Calibur flow cytometer. All experiments were performed in triplicates.

3.3.5. Molecular Docking Study

Molecular docking study was performed using MOE software program (MOE 2009.10). The tubulin crystal structure (PDB entry: 1SA0) was obtained from a protein data bank (Supplementary Materials).

3.4. Tailoring of 4e-Loaded PEGylated Bilosome

Minute modifications were stuck to thin film hydration technique, which was manipulated for the development of 4e-loaded PEGylated bilosomes [21,23]. More precisely, (10 mL) a blend of chloroform and methanol (2:1) was incorporated to dissolve 4e (20 mg), span 60 (100 mg) and cholesterol (25 mg) with different amounts of DSPE–mPEG-2000 (25 mg or 50 mg) in a round bottom flask (Table 3). The acquired organic solution was dispelled at 60 °C under reduced pressure for 30 min by utilizing a rotary evaporator (Rotavapor, Heidolph VV 2000; Heidolph Instruments, Kehlheim, Germany) up until the formation of completely dry thin film. Formerly, the attained dry film was splashed using 10 mL phosphate buffer solution at 60 °C, enclosing different types of bile salts (SDC or STC) in different amounts (15 mg or 30 mg). In addition, the developed PEGylated bilosomal dispersions were exposed to sonication for 10 min in a bath sonicator (Ultra Sonicator, Model LC 60/H Elma, Germany) at room temperature aspiring for further suppression in particle size and stability. The attained formulae were kept at 4 °C for further characterization.

3.5. HPLC Investigation

Drug stock solution of 1 mg/mL in methanol was prepared, and a calibration curve was constructed utilizing six dilutions that were prepared in concentrations of 100, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 µg/mL. All solutions were filtered using 0.22 µm syringe filter and then 10 µL was subjected to HPLC analysis using Waters-2690 Alliance^® HPLC system (WatersTM, Milford, MA, USA), and HPLC conditions were in mobile phase: water (50:50); flow rate: 1 mL/min [46]. A distinct peak of the drug was observed at 254 nm. Each experiment was conducted in triplicate, and the mean peak area was configured versus the drug concentration.

3.6. In Vitro Analysis and Optimization of 4e-Loaded PEGylated Bilosomes

3.6.1. Investigation of the Entrapment Efficiency Percentage (EE%)

In order to investigate the percentage of 4e charged within the formulated PEGylated bilosomal dispersion precisely, 1ml of 4e-loaded PEGylated bilosomal dispersion (resembling 2 mg of the drug) was diluted with 5 mL distilled water and manually agitated for 2 min. Cooling centrifugation technique for one hour was used to decouple the unembedded 4e from 4e-loaded PEGylated bilosome at 15,000 rpm and 4 °C (Beckman, Fullerton, NU, Canada) [22]. The sedimented vesicles were assembled away, rinsed twice with distilled water and centrifuged again for 30 min. The sonication of the separated particles using methanol was performed to predict the amount of the enclosed MH. The concentration of the embedded 4e within the vesicles was allocated via HPLC at λmax 254 nm (EE%) and was calculated as follows.

% of 4e entrapped = (Amount of 4e disclosed/overall amount of 4e) × 100

(1)

3.6.2. Investigation of Zeta Potential, Vesicle Size and PDI

The tailored 4e-loaded PEGylated bilosome droplet size, zeta potential and PDI were investigated by utilizing Malvern sizer (Malvern Instruments, Malvern, UK). The amount of 10 mL distilled water was utilized in order to dilute 0.1 mL of 4e-loaded PEGylated bilosomal dispersion within a glass tube that was manipulated, and then it was convulsed manually for 5 min. The manipulated technique was the dynamic laser scattering technique used to determine the distribution size at 25 °C by using 45 mm focus lens and beam lengths of 2.4 mm. The test was performed in triplicate [23].

3.7. Conduction of Experimental Design and Selecting the Optimal 4e-Loaded PEGylated Bilosome

A 2³ factorial experiment was developed to assess the impact of multiple factors in the fabrication of PEGylated bilosome via Design Expert^® software version 7 (Stat Ease, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA). The tailoring of 8 runs was yielded from the constructed design. Three factors were considered, bile salt type (A), bile salt amount (B) and DSPE–mPEG-2000 amount (C), to be independent variables, whereas EE% (Y1), PS (Y2), ZP (Y3) and Q8h (Y4) were picked as dependent variables. Moreover, based on the maximum EE%, ZP and minimum globule size, the optimum 4e-loaded PEGylated bilosomal formula was primed. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by utilizing Design Expert^® 7 software. In addition, the statistical analysis conducted via ANOVA was implemented to highlight the prime impacts of the variables under exploration; the significance of each variable was analyzed, and the best formula with the superior desirability value was picked for further assessments [46].

3.8. In Vitro Investigation of the Optimum 4e-Loaded PEGylated Bilosomal Formula

3.8.1. Lyophilization of the Optimized PEGylated Bilosomal Formula

The solidification of the optimum 4e-loaded PEGylated bilosomal formula was manipulated via lyophilization technique (Alpha 2–4, CHRIST, Osterodeam Harz, Germany), where mannitol (5% w/v) as lyoprotectant was utilized to disrupt the lysis of the vesicles. Accordingly, the PEGylated bilosomal suspension freezed overnight at −80 °C and was dried for a period of 24 h under vacuum [47]. The freeze-dried bilosomal powder was kept in a firmly closed glass tubes in a desiccator for further analysis.

3.8.2. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

The thermal behavior of pure 4e, plain optimum formula and 4e-loaded PEGylated bilosomal formula was examined adopting differential scanning calorimeter (DSC-50, Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan). The calibration of the equipment was conducted using purified indium (99.9%). About 10 °C was elevated each minute, surrounded by nitrogen in a temperature range of 20–400 °C [48].

3.8.3. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

The configuration of the optimal PEGylated bilosomal formula was visualized by TEM (Joel JEM 1230, Tokyo, Japan). The stained vesicles’ dispersion was attached to a carbon grid with copper coat and kept to dry in order to obtain a thin film. The sheet of copper was enrolled into the TEM [49].

3.8.4. In Vitro Release Study of the Optimal Formula

Concisely, 1mL of sorensen phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) was gathered with 1 mL of the optimum 4e-loaded PEGylated bilosomal formula, and then 1mL equivalent to 1 mg 4e from the diluted dispersion was transmitted to a 10 cm in length and 2.5 cm in diameter glass cylinder. A presoaked cellulose membrane was then allocated at its bottom where the dispersion prevailed over. The glass cylinder was mounted on the shaft of the dissolution tester (Copley, DIS 8000, Nottingham, UK) and hanged in 900 mL dissolution media (sorensen phosphate buffer, pH 7.4) at 37 ± 0.5°C and speed of 50 rpm [48]. The withdrawals of equal volumes from the dissolution media were conducted at scheduled time interventions, and the percentage of drug released was assessed by HPLC at 254 nm afterwards. In vitro 4e release was conducted in triplicates.

4. Conclusions

In conclusion, a series of novel acrylamide derivatives was designed and synthesized to be evaluated for their inhibitory activity against β-tubulin polymerization. The results of cytotoxicity screening over MCF-7 revealed that compounds 4e and 5d showed good cytotoxic profile against MCF-7 cells. Compounds 4e produced significant reduction in cellular tubulin with excellent β-tubulin polymerization inhibition activity. In addition, compound 4e exhibited cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells by cell cycle arrest at pre-G1 and G2/M phases, as shown by the DNA flow cytometry assay. Additionally, compound 4e upregulated the expression of active caspase 3/7 percentages, as revealed by green flow cytometry analysis. PEGylated bilosomes were tailored as a nano platform for oral delivery of 4e as a remarkable anticancer. Eight formulae were tailored in accordance to 2³ full factorial design. F7 was elected as the optimum formula due to the fundamentality of E.E%, PS and ZP. F7 exhibited the highest E.E%, smaller PS and absolute value of ZP. In vitro drug release studies affirmed the significant superior drug solubility of F7 over the 4e suspension. F7 was outstanding with respect to both higher solubility and enhanced cytotoxicity. Accordingly, 4e is developed as a lead molecule with potential anti-cancer activity, and PEGylated bilosomes can be considered as prosperous nanocarriers for compound 4e, hence improving its biopharmaceutical characteristics and cytotoxic activity after being loaded on a vesicular nanocarrier; thus, they worthy of future investigations via in vivo preclinical investigations.