Paclitaxel loaded folic acid targeted nanoparticles of mixed lipid-shell and polymer-core: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2012 Jun;81(2):248-56. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2012.03.004. Epub 2012 Mar 14.

Abstract

A functional drug carrier comprised of folic acid modified lipid-shell and polymer-core nanoparticles (FLPNPs) including poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) core, PEGylated octadecyl-quaternized lysine modified chitosan (PEG-OQLCS) as lipid-shell, folic acid as targeting ligand and cholesterol was prepared and evaluated for targeted delivery of paclitaxel (PTX). Confocal microscopy analysis confirmed the coating of the lipid-shell on the polymer-core. Physicochemical characterizations of FLPNPs, such as particle size, zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro PTX release, were also evaluated. The internalization efficiency and targeting ability of FLPNPs were demonstrated by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. PTX loaded FLPNPs showed a significantly higher cytotoxicity than the commercial PTX formulation (Taxol®). The intravenous administration of PTX encapsulated FLPNPs led to tumor regression and improvement of animal survival in a murine model, compared with that observed with Taxol® and biodistribution study showed that PTX concentration in tumor for PTX encapsulated FLPNPs was higher than other PTX formulations. Our data indicate that PTX loaded FLPNPs are a promising nano-sized drug formulation for cancer therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / chemistry
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Chitosan / administration & dosage
  • Chitosan / chemistry
  • Drug Carriers / administration & dosage
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Drug Compounding / methods
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Female
  • Folic Acid / metabolism*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Lactic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Lactic Acid / chemistry
  • Lipids / administration & dosage
  • Lipids / chemistry*
  • Mice
  • Mice, SCID
  • Nanoparticles / administration & dosage*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Paclitaxel / administration & dosage*
  • Paclitaxel / chemistry*
  • Particle Size
  • Polyethylene Glycols / administration & dosage
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Polyglycolic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Polyglycolic Acid / chemistry
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polymers / administration & dosage
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Drug Carriers
  • Lipids
  • Polymers
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polyglycolic Acid
  • Lactic Acid
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Chitosan
  • Folic Acid
  • Paclitaxel