Crafting Docetaxel-Loaded Albumin Nanoparticles Through a Novel Thermal-Driven Self-Assembly/Microfluidic Combination...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Commercial docetaxel (DTX) formulations cause severe side effects due to polysorbate 80 and ethanol.
• Novel surfactant-free nanoparticle (NP) systems are needed to improve bioavailability and reduce side effects.
• Controlling NP particle size, stability, and batch-to-batch variation are major challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare docetaxel-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (DTX-BSA-NPs) using a novel thermal-driven self-assembly/microfluidic technology.
• To optimize the formulation and preparation process of DTX-BSA-NPs for improved particle size, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and drug loading (DL).
• To evaluate the drug release, physicochemical properties, stability, and pharmacokinetics of the developed NPs.

Main Methods:

• DTX-BSA-NPs were prepared using a combination of thermal-driven self-assembly and microfluidic technology.
• Single-factor analysis and orthogonal tests were employed to optimize NP formulation and preparation parameters.
• Drug release, physicochemical properties, stability, and pharmacokinetic profiles were assessed.

Main Results:

• Optimized DTX-BSA-NPs exhibited uniform particle size (118.30 nm), high EE (89.04%), and DL (8.27%).
• Sustained drug release (70% over 96 hours) and enhanced stability were observed.
• DTX-BSA-NPs demonstrated improved pharmacokinetic parameters, including increased half-life, mean residence time, and AUC, with decreased plasma clearance compared to DTX.

Conclusions:

• The thermal-driven self-assembly/microfluidic method effectively produces BSA-based NPs.
• These NPs improve the bioavailability and stability of docetaxel.
• DTX-BSA-NPs represent a promising alternative to traditional docetaxel formulations.