Study: CBD-Loaded Biohybrid Micelles Show Enhanced Anti-Cancer Effects in Colon Cancer Cells

A new study reports that cannabidiol (CBD) may become more effective against colon cancer when delivered using a specially engineered oral drug delivery system designed to improve targeting and reduce side effects. The research was published in Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics and was conducted by scientists at East China University of Science and Technology. The team focused on overcoming long-standing limitations associated with CBD, including poor water solubility, low oral bioavailability, and non-specific distribution in the body.

To address these issues, researchers developed biohybrid micelles composed of polyethylene glycol and chitosan, with bile acid and the flavonoid quercetin incorporated on the surface. According to the study, this combination was designed to enhance intestinal absorption, improve controlled release, and amplify CBD’s anticancer activity through synergistic mechanisms.

In a series of in vitro experiments, the CBD-loaded micelles were tested against three human colon cancer cell lines: HCT116, HT29, and Caco-2. The micelle-based formulation reduced cancer cell survival in a dose-dependent manner and consistently outperformed free CBD. Reported IC50 values showed the strongest response in HCT116 cells, followed by HT29 and Caco-2 cells.

Further analysis indicated that the micelles promoted apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Researchers observed increased caspase-3/7 activity, along with higher expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and reduced expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. These effects were confirmed using ELISA assays.

The study also evaluated pH-dependent drug release, simulating conditions in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Results showed controlled release over 72 hours, with bile acid releasing most rapidly, followed by quercetin and CBD. This release profile is intended to support colon-specific delivery while minimizing systemic exposure.

Researchers concluded that the PEG–chitosan–bile acid–quercetin micelle system represents a promising multimodal approach for colon cancer treatment. While the findings are limited to laboratory models, the authors say the results provide a foundation for future preclinical studies aimed at translating this delivery strategy toward clinical use.