Docetaxel loaded chitosan nanoparticles: formulation, characterization and cytotoxicity studies

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

• Chitosan is a biodegradable polymer with potential in drug delivery.
• Docetaxel is a key chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer.
• Developing effective nanoparticle delivery systems for docetaxel is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate and characterize docetaxel-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (DTX-NPs).
• To evaluate the in vitro anticancer efficacy of DTX-NPs against breast cancer cells.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of DTX-NPs using a water-in-oil nanoemulsion system.
• Characterization included particle size, zeta potential, PDI, EE, LC, SEM, and in vitro drug release.
• In vitro cytotoxicity studies were performed on MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line.

Main Results:

• Spherical DTX-NPs with sizes ranging from 170.1±5.42 to 227.6±7.87 nm were obtained.
• High drug entrapment efficiency (65-76%) and loading capacity (8-12%) were achieved.
• DTX-NPs showed sustained drug release (68-83% in 12h) and a 20% increase in growth inhibition of MDA-MB-231 cells compared to free docetaxel.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable chitosan nanoparticles are suitable for docetaxel delivery.
• DTX-NPs exhibit promising anticancer activity for breast cancer treatment.
• This formulation offers a potential improvement over conventional docetaxel administration.