Fabrication, Characterization and Assessment of Polymeric Nanoparticles as a Nanomedicine Approach for Paclitaxel Delivery for Enhanced Cancer Treatment

Abstract

The effectiveness of paclitaxel as a cancer treatment is widely recognized. However, its solubility issue can be addressed by blending it with ethanol and Cremophor EL, a product marketed under the trade name Taxol. Nevertheless, to enhance the anticancer efficacy of Cremophor EL and reduce adverse effects, alternative delivery methods and strategies must be explored. The objective of this work was to synthesize PLGA nanoparticles (PNF) loaded with paclitaxel and evaluate a number of characteristics, including in vitro drug release, drug loading, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and particle size. Finding the best formulation, PNF4, based on its in vitro drug release properties, was the main goal of the study. The surface morphology of PNF4 was then investigated by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy after that (SEM and TEM). The delivery method follows the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, according to analysis of the in vitro drug release kinetics, indicating a "Fickian diffusion" mechanism. Furthermore, the in vitro cytotoxicity assessment demonstrated that the PNF4 formulation exhibited superior cytotoxicity compared to free paclitaxel.