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In Vitro Assessment of a Paclitaxel-Poly(Caprolactone) Drug Delivery System in Endometrial Cancer
Claire E Rowlands1, Megan Dwyer1, Brittany E Givens1
1Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A
|July 28, 2025
Summary
Polycaprolactone (PCL) particles effectively delivered paclitaxel (PTX) to endometrial cancer cells, enhancing therapeutic effects and reducing side effects. This drug delivery system shows promise for treating difficult cancers.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Drug delivery systems (DDSs) enhance therapeutic efficacy by encapsulating drugs in biocompatible carriers.
- DDSs improve targeted delivery, increase circulation time, and minimize systemic side effects.
- Endometrial cancer presents challenges for conventional therapies, highlighting the need for advanced treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a polycaprolactone (PCL) particle-based DDS for paclitaxel (PTX) delivery.
- To investigate the efficacy of PTX-loaded PCL particles in endometrial cancer cell lines.
- To assess particle uptake, cellular localization, and drug release kinetics.
Main Methods:
- Paclitaxel (PTX) was encapsulated into polycaprolactone (PCL) particles.
- Endometrial cancer cell lines (Ishikawa and KLE) were treated with PTX-loaded PCL particles.
- Dye-loaded PCL particles were used to study cellular uptake and localization via confocal microscopy.
- Drug release profiles were analyzed over time.
Main Results:
- Successful encapsulation of PTX within PCL particles was achieved.
- A sustained drug release was observed, with ~22% released in 48 hours and prolonged release over 28 days.
- PTX-loaded PCL particles demonstrated enhanced antiproliferative activity compared to free PTX at lower concentrations.
- Confocal microscopy confirmed intracellular localization of PCL particles, particularly in the nucleus and cytoplasm.
Conclusions:
- Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a viable polymer for developing effective drug delivery systems (DDSs).
- PTX-loaded PCL particles show potential for targeted endometrial cancer therapy.
- Further development of this DDS could lead to improved cancer treatment outcomes with reduced side effects.
