Fig. 3

Impact of nanoparticles on mitochondrial functions in SKOV3 cells. This figure presents a comprehensive analysis of how various nanoparticle treatments influence mitochondrial dynamics within SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. Panels A and B detail the mitochondrial membrane potential, utilizing JC-1 staining to provide a comparative visualization of membrane polarization across different treatment groups. A higher red to green fluorescence ratio indicates a more polarized, and thus healthier, mitochondrial state. Panels C and D offer insights into the cellular uptake of nanoparticles, essential for understanding the intracellular delivery efficiency and subsequent bioactivity of the nanoparticles. Panel E presents the results of a comprehensive study measuring the OCR of SKOV3 cells subjected to various treatments using a Seahorse XF Analyzer. The cells were divided into seven groups: Control Group (CG), Alginate Nanoparticles Group (NG), Melittin Peptide Group (PG), Melittin-Encapsulated Nanoparticles Group (PNG), and Melittin-Encapsulated Nanoparticles + Lyase Groups at concentrations of 0.1 μM (PNLG), 0.5 μM (PNMG), and 1 μM (PNHG). Measurements were taken at intervals of 10 min over a period of 120 min, encompassing baseline readings and subsequent response to the addition of mitochondrial respiration modulators: nanoparticle treatment at 30 min, Oligomycin (inhibitor of ATP synthase) at 60 min, FCCP (uncoupler of mitochondrial respiration) at 80 min, and a combination of Antimycin A and Rotenone (inhibitors of the electron transport chain) at 100 min. The data illustrate the dynamic changes in mitochondrial respiration across different treatment groups, highlighting the significant impact of melittin, both in free and encapsulated forms, on mitochondrial function compared to the control and alginate nanoparticle-treated groups