Data for Encapsulation of copper phenanthroline within horse spleen apoferritin: characterisation, cytotoxic activity and ability to retain temozolomide

In this work, we investigate the encapsulation of a Cu(II)-phenanthroline complex (Cu(phen)(NO3)2) within HSAFt, as a potential vector for the delivery of anticancer agents. We immobilise Cu(II) within the protein as a metal complex with 1,10-phenanthroline, to form HSAFt-Cu(phen) dense particles that can be stored for months at low temperature (-20 °C). We subsequently characterise HSAFt-Cu(phen) by drug release studies and cytotoxicity assays against colorectal cancer cells and glioblastoma multiforme cells. We also investigate whether the presence of Cu(phen) inside HSAFt can offer additional benefits for the encapsulation and antitumour activity of anticancer drugs such as temozolomide (TMZ).