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Updated: May 23, 2026

Preparation and Characterization of Individual and Multi-drug Loaded Physically Entrapped Polymeric Micelles
Published on: August 28, 2015
Polyelectrolyte coated polymeric nanoparticles for controlled release of docetaxel
R Agrawal1, A Shanavas, S Yadav
1Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
Biodegradable nanoparticles made from PLGA, PLGA-PEI, and PLA were developed for sustained drug delivery. Polyelectrolyte coatings significantly extended the release of Docetaxel, improving therapeutic potential for breast cancer.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Nanoparticle drug delivery systems offer potential for targeted and controlled release of therapeutics.
- Polyelectrolyte coatings can modulate drug release kinetics from nanoparticles.
- Biodegradable polymers like PLGA and PLA are widely used in biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize biodegradable nanoparticles for sustained delivery of Docetaxel.
- To investigate the effect of polyelectrolyte coatings on drug release profiles.
- To evaluate the in vitro cytocompatibility of the developed nanoparticle systems.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of poly(lactide-co-glycolic) acid [PLGA], poly(lactide-co-glycolic) acid-polyethylene imine [PLGA-PEI], and poly lactic acid [PLA] nanoparticles.
- Encapsulation of hydrophobic drug Docetaxel (DOCE).
- Layer-by-Layer (LbL) self-assembly for polyelectrolyte coating.
- Characterization using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
- In vitro drug release studies and cytocompatibility assays.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles successfully encapsulated Docetaxel with high efficiency (62-66%).
- Polyelectrolyte coating significantly slowed down drug release, extending it up to 7 days compared to uncoated nanoparticles (release within 24 hours).
- Coated nanoparticles demonstrated good in vitro cytocompatibility with cell viability ranging from 70% to 100%.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable PLGA, PLGA-PEI, and PLA nanoparticles coated with polyelectrolytes provide a promising platform for sustained Docetaxel delivery.
- LbL coating effectively controls the release rate of hydrophobic drugs from nanoparticles.
- This approach holds potential for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of Docetaxel in breast cancer treatment.
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Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed II
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