Investigation of the molecular mechanisms of action of sophorolipids in MCF-7 cells: therapeutic potential against breast cancer

A mixture of lactonic and acidic sophorolipids exerted concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against human breast ductal adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells, with an IC₅₀ of 82.54 µg/mL as determined by resazurin assay. Phase-contrast microscopy revealed morphological alterations including cell swelling, loss of adhesion, and impaired membrane integrity. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated cell cycle arrest in the S phase, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and a predominance of necrosis-like cell death at higher concentrations. Transcriptional profiling by RT-qPCR identified overexpression of CDKN1A, GADD45A, ERN1, and BBC3, alongside repression of ACTB and GAPDH, indicating activation of DNA damage and stress-response pathways, endoplasmic reticulum stress, structural collapse, and metabolic dysfunction. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that sophorolipids induce mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress, culminating in homeostatic failure and cell death in MCF-7 cells, positioning these biosurfactants as promising candidates for the development of natural antiproliferative therapies.