Title:Hybrid Nanoparticle for Co-delivering Paclitaxel and Dihydroartemisinin to Exhibit Synergic Anticancer Therapeutics
Volume: 24
Issue: 12
Author(s): Bao Ngoc Tran, Thu Thi Kim Ninh, Thao Thi Do, Phuong Thi Do and Chien Ngoc Nguyen*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmaceutical Industry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Technology, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi,
Vietnam
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical
Technology, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam
Keywords:
Paclitaxel, synergic therapy, hybrid nanoparticle, anticancer therapy, lyophilization, stability, artemisinin derivatives.
Abstract:
Aim: Anticancer treatment is required to provide effective and safe patient medicines.
This research aided in developing and applying nanoparticles (NPs) for cancer treatment.
Background: The poor solubility of paclitaxel (PTX) restricts its therapeutic efficacy because of
allergic side effects caused by formulation excipients. To overcome this, PTX was coupled with
artemisinin derivatives and loaded into an NP drug delivery system to enhance its effects while
addressing its low solubility.
Objectives: This study prepared and characterized a hybrid PLGA-lecithin NP containing dihydroartemisinin
(DHA) and PTX for synergic anticancer therapy. A lyophilization study improved
the stability of the NP drug formulations.
Methods: Dual PTX- and DHA-loaded PLGA- and lecithin-based NPs were prepared using a
single-step solvent evaporation method. The NP suspensions were lyophilized, and the types and
ratios of cryoprotectants were investigated. The physicochemical properties of NPs and lyophilized
cakes (Lyo-NPs) were characterized. The stability of the Lyo-NPs was investigated at 2-8°C
and room conditions. The anticancer effects of the drug combination, NP suspension, and lyophilized
powder were analyzed using an in vitro cytotoxicity assay and an in vivo model.
Results: The optimal PTX-DHA loaded PLGA-lecithin-NP was formulated (200 nm, PDI: 0.248
± 0.003, Zeta potential: -33.60 ± 3.39 mV). Mannitol was selected for lyophilization. Lyo-NPs
improved the stability of the NPs (1 year), wherein the physicochemical properties of the NPs
were maintained (RDI was close to 1.0). An in-vitro cytotoxicity assay of PTX combined with
DHA showed a synergistic anticancer effect (CI <1.0). The suppressive effects of Lyo-NPs on
tumor growth in vivo were dose-dependent. While the cocktail of free drugs showed high toxicity
(7.5 mg PTX-15 mg DHA/kg) in-vivo, Lyo-NPs showed no statistical differences in hematological
and biochemical parameters compared to the control.
Conclusion: Dual-drug-loaded hybrid PLGA-lecithin NP is a potential system to minimize severe
side effects while enhancing antitumor efficacy, in which lyophilization is a key process to
increase stability.