Low-intensity light-induced paclitaxel release from lipid-based nano-delivery systems

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• External control of drug release is crucial for targeted therapy.
• Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) offer a promising platform for drug delivery.
• Paclitaxel (PTX) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent with challenges in delivery and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a light-sensitive SLN system for controlled paclitaxel (PTX) release.
• To investigate photosensitizer-mediated lipid oxidation as a release mechanism.
• To evaluate the role of ascorbic acid (ASC) in enhancing stability and efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of PTX-loaded SLNs incorporating a photosensitizer.
• Application of low-intensity near-infrared (NIR) light (around 730 nm) for drug release.
• Assessment of PTX release kinetics, storage stability, and in vitro cytotoxicity (IC50) in A549 cells.

Main Results:

• Light-induced PTX release was significantly higher (8-fold) compared to non-illuminated SLNs.
• Ascorbic acid (ASC) improved storage stability, reducing lipid degradation by 8-fold over 4 months.
• Combined ASC and light illumination reduced PTX's IC50 by 2-fold in A549 cells.

Conclusions:

• Developed a novel light-triggered SLN system for controlled PTX release.
• Demonstrated the potential for external modulation and pulsatile drug delivery.
• Highlighted the benefits of ASC for enhanced stability and synergistic therapeutic effects.