Paclitaxel-loaded niosomes in combination with metformin: development, characterization and anticancer potentials

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Paclitaxel is a widely used chemotherapy drug.
• Metformin is an anti-diabetic medication with potential anticancer properties.
• Niosomes offer a promising drug delivery system for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the combined efficacy of paclitaxel and metformin against cancer cells.
• To investigate the role of niosome encapsulation in improving paclitaxel delivery.
• To determine if this combination can reduce the required paclitaxel dosage.

Main Methods:

• Paclitaxel was encapsulated into niosomes using microfluidic mixing.
• The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was determined for free and niosome-loaded paclitaxel, with and without metformin.
• T47D cells were used to assess the in vitro efficacy.

Main Results:

• Paclitaxel encapsulation efficiency in niosomes reached a maximum of 11.9%.
• Metformin significantly reduced the IC50 of free paclitaxel in T47D cells.
• Niosome-loaded paclitaxel demonstrated a significant reduction in IC50, both alone and in combination with metformin.

Conclusions:

• The combination of paclitaxel (free or niosome-loaded) with metformin substantially enhances anticancer efficacy.
• This combination therapy presents a potential strategy to lower paclitaxel dosage and mitigate its adverse effects.
• Niosome-encapsulated paclitaxel combined with metformin shows promise for improved cancer treatment.