Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026

Flash NanoPrecipitation for the Encapsulation of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Compounds in Polymeric Nanoparticles
Published on: January 7, 2019
Encapsulation in nanoparticles improves anti-cancer efficacy of carboplatin
Tanmoy Sadhukha1, Swayam Prabha
1Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, USA.
Abstract:
Poor cellular uptake contributes to high dose requirement and limited therapeutic efficacy of the platinum-based anticancer drug carboplatin. Delivery systems that can improve the cellular accumulation of carboplatin will, therefore, likely improve its therapeutic potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate nanoparticles composed of the biodegradable polymer, poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide), for carboplatin delivery to tumor cells. Carboplatin-loaded nanoparticles were formulated by double emulsion-solvent evaporation technique. Nanoparticles demonstrated sustained release of carboplatin over 7 days. Cellular uptake of carboplatin encapsulated in nanoparticles was several fold higher than that with free carboplatin in A549 (lung) and MA148 (ovarian) tumor cells. In vitro cytotoxicity studies showed that encapsulation of carboplatin in nanoparticles resulted in a remarkable reduction in the IC50 of carboplatin in several cell lines (up to 280-fold in some cells). Confocal microscopic analysis revealed the presence of carboplatin nanoparticles in several cellular compartments including lysosomes, cytoplasm, and the nucleus. These results demonstrate an enhanced cellular uptake of carboplatin through encapsulation in PLGA nanoparticles and suggest that improved therapeutic efficacy and reduced toxicity may be achieved with this approach.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Efficacy
Improving Translational Accuracy
Improving Translational Accuracy
Dose-Response Relationship: Potency and Efficacy
Waterproofing and Anti-Bacterial Admixtures in Concrete
Waterproofing admixtures render concrete hydrophobic,...
Oxidation of Alkenes: Anti Dihydroxylation with Peroxy Acids

