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Preparation and Characterization of Individual and Multi-drug Loaded Physically Entrapped Polymeric Micelles
Published on: August 28, 2015
Co-Encapsulation of Multiple Antineoplastic Agents in Liposomes by Exploring Microfluidics
Sajid Asghar1,2, Radu Iliescu3,4, Rares-Ionut Stiufiuc1,5
1Nanotechnology Laboratory, TRANSCEND Department, Regional Institute of Oncology, 2-4 General Henri Mathias Berthelot, 700483 Iași, Romania.
Abstract:
The inherent complexity of cancer proliferation and malignancy cannot be addressed by the conventional approach of relying on high doses of a single powerful anticancer agent, which is associated with poor efficacy, higher toxicity, and the development of drug resistance. Multiple drug therapy (MDT) rationally designed to target tumor heterogeneity, block alternative survival pathways, modulate the tumor microenvironment, and reduce toxicities would be a viable solution against cancer. Liposomes are the most suitable carrier for anticancer MDT due to their ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic agents, biocompatibility, and controlled release properties; however, an adequate manufacturing method is important for effective co-encapsulation. Microfluidics involves the manipulation of fluids at the microscale for the controlled synthesis of liposomes with desirable properties. This work critically reviews the use of microfluidics for the synthesis of anticancer MDT liposomes. MDT success not only relies on the identification of synergistic dose combinations of the anticancer modalities but also warrants the loading of multiple therapeutic entities within liposomes in optimal ratios, the protection of the drugs by the nanocarrier during systemic circulation, and the synchronous release at the target site in the same pattern as confirmed in preliminary efficacy studies. Prospects have been identified for the bench-to-bedside translation of anticancer MDT liposomes using microfluidics.
Insights
Conventional cancer treatments face challenges. Multiple drug therapy (MDT) using liposomes offers a promising solution, with microfluidics enabling advanced manufacturing for improved cancer treatment efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Conventional single-agent chemotherapy for cancer exhibits limitations including poor efficacy, high toxicity, and drug resistance.
- Multiple drug therapy (MDT) presents a rational approach to combat tumor heterogeneity, bypass survival pathways, and mitigate toxicity.
- Liposomes are ideal nanocarriers for MDT due to their encapsulation capabilities, biocompatibility, and controlled release properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the application of microfluidics in synthesizing liposomes for anticancer multiple drug therapy (MDT).
- To highlight the importance of microfluidics in achieving controlled co-encapsulation of multiple drugs in liposomes at optimal ratios.
- To discuss the prospects of translating microfluidic-based liposome synthesis for MDT from laboratory research to clinical application.
Main Methods:
- Review of microfluidic techniques for liposome synthesis.
- Analysis of requirements for effective anticancer MDT liposomes, including drug loading, stability, and release kinetics.
- Evaluation of the potential for bench-to-bedside translation of microfluidic-produced MDT liposomes.
Main Results:
- Microfluidics enables precise control over liposome synthesis for effective co-encapsulation of multiple anticancer agents.
- Successful MDT liposomes require synergistic drug combinations, optimal drug ratios, and synchronized release profiles.
- Microfluidics offers a scalable and reproducible manufacturing method for advanced anticancer nanomedicines.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidics is a powerful tool for developing advanced liposomal formulations for anticancer multiple drug therapy.
- Optimizing drug loading, release, and stability within liposomes is crucial for MDT efficacy.
- Microfluidic technology holds significant promise for the clinical translation of novel cancer nanotherapeutics.
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