Multi-layer polymeric implants for sustained release of chemopreventives

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cancer Research
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Poor oral bioavailability restricts the clinical use of many promising cancer chemopreventive agents.
• Developing effective delivery systems is crucial for enhancing chemopreventive efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an innovative coated implant formulation for improved delivery of chemopreventive agents.
• To assess the in vitro and in vivo performance of these implants for sustained drug release and therapeutic effect.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of polycaprolactone implants coated with curcumin, curcuminoids, withaferin A, and oltipraz.
• In vitro release studies over 8 weeks to determine drug release kinetics.
• In vivo studies in mice to evaluate DNA adduct inhibition and anti-tumor activity of implant-delivered agents.

Main Results:

• Coated implants demonstrated sustained release of oltipraz and initial burst release of curcumin, curcuminoids, and withaferin A.
• Implant-delivered oltipraz significantly reduced lung DNA adducts in mice.
• Withaferin A delivered via implants showed significant inhibition of lung cancer xenografts, outperforming intraperitoneal administration.

Conclusions:

• Coated polymeric implants offer a viable strategy for delivering heat-labile chemopreventives with sustained release.
• This delivery system enhances the efficacy of agents like oltipraz and withaferin A in inhibiting DNA damage and tumor growth.
• The findings support the potential of coated implants for improving cancer chemoprevention and treatment.