Targeting Solid Lipid Nanoparticles with Anisamide for Docetaxel Delivery to Prostate Cancer: Preparation,

Milad Jalilian1, Katayoun Derakhshandeh1,2, Masoumeh Kurd3

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.

Insights

Targeted solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with docetaxel (DTX) and anisamide (Anis) show enhanced efficacy against prostate cancer cells. This targeted drug delivery system offers a promising approach for more effective cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Nanotechnology
  • Pharmacology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Prostate cancer treatment faces challenges with conventional drug delivery.
  • Targeted drug delivery systems can improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects.
  • Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) offer a promising platform for encapsulating anti-cancer drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prepare and characterize docetaxel (DTX)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) targeted with anisamide (Anis) for prostate cancer treatment.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of targeted DTX-SLNs against prostate cancer cells.
  • To investigate the potential of anisamide-functionalized SLNs for enhanced drug delivery.

Main Methods:

  • Docetaxel (DTX) loaded SLNs were prepared using high shear homogenization and ultra-sonication.
  • Anisamide (Anis) ligand was conjugated to the surface of SLNs for targeted delivery.
  • Particle size, entrapment efficiency, drug dispersion, morphology, and cytotoxicity were evaluated.
  • Experimental design was employed for optimization of the DTX-SLN formulation.

Main Results:

  • Optimized DTX-SLNs exhibited an average particle size of 174 ± 9.1 nm and an entrapment efficiency of 83 ± 3.34%.
  • Differential scanning calorimetry confirmed the amorphous dispersion of DTX within the nanocarriers.
  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed spherical nanoparticles of nanoscale dimensions.
  • Targeted DTX-SLN-Anis demonstrated significantly higher cytotoxicity against PC3 prostate cancer cells (IC50 = 0.12 ± 0.01 nM) compared to DTX-SLN and free DTX.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted DTX-SLN-Anis exhibits superior efficacy against prostate cancer cells compared to non-targeted SLNs and free DTX.
  • The developed targeted SLN formulation represents a promising strategy for enhancing prostate cancer therapy.
  • Further in-vivo studies are recommended to complement these findings and assess clinical potential.

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