Abstract

FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIODEGRADABLE PLGA NANOPARTICLES LOADED WITH DOCETAXEL

Venkatesh Gavini*, A. Lakshmi Prasanna, R. Anusha Reddy, S. Sruthi, B. Mounika

Abstract

Objective: Nanoparticles prepared from the biodegradable polymer Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) are the most intensively investigated for treating tumors. The combination of physiologically interactive Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) with anticancer agents in the nanoparticulate state has emerged as a new strategy for chemotherapy. This strategy exploits the properties of the polymer as a carrier for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules, enabling them to cross the endothelial barrier and preferentially accumulate within tumors. Docetaxel is a potent anticancer agent widely used in the treatment of early and advanced stages of breast cancer. The objective of the present study was to formulate Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticulate drug delivery system utilizing the high binding properties of docetaxel. Methods: Nanoparticles were prepared by emulsification solvent evaporation method using Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) as a hydrophobic drug carrier. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized for surface morphology, particle size analysis, encapsulation efficiency, stability studies and Invitro release studies. Results: The spherical nanoparticles obtained were negatively charged with a zeta potential of about -36 mV and particle size in the range of 148.6 to 221.2 nm. The stable nanoparticles had a high encapsulation efficiency of 94.85% & loading efficiency of 26.71% with percentage cumulative drug release of 88.48% at the end of 24 hours. Conclusion: Formulation with higher concentration of PLGA showed optimum results with all the evaluated parameters within the specified limits and hence considered as the ideal formulation.

Keywords: Chemotherapy, Breast Cancer, Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) Nanoparticles.