Paclitaxel loaded carrier based biodegradable polymeric implants: Preparation and in vitro characterization

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Paclitaxel (PTX) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent with poor aqueous solubility.
• Developing effective drug delivery systems is crucial for improving PTX efficacy and reducing side effects.
• Polymeric implants offer a promising approach for sustained drug release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) based tiny implants.
• To enhance PTX solubility and control its release using β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) and polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000).
• To characterize the physical, chemical, and release properties of the developed PTX-loaded implants.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PTX-loaded PCL implants using selected excipients.
• Physicochemical characterization including SEM, DSC, XRD, and FT-IR spectroscopy.
• In vitro drug release studies in phosphate buffer saline (pH 7.4).

Main Results:

• Developed tiny implants were white, cylindrical, and smooth with consistent weight and drug content.
• SEM revealed implants with a smooth surface morphology.
• DSC and XRD confirmed PTX was in an amorphous state within the PCL matrix.
• FT-IR studies indicated compatibility between PTX and the excipients.
• In vitro release studies demonstrated a prolonged and controlled release of PTX, following zero-order and Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetics.
• The chemical stability of PTX was unaffected by the formulation and preparation method.

Conclusions:

• Successfully developed PTX-loaded PCL implants with enhanced solubility and controlled release characteristics.
• The amorphous state of PTX within the implants and the chosen excipients contribute to sustained drug delivery.
• The developed implants represent a viable strategy for improved paclitaxel chemotherapy.