Targeted lipid-polymer hybrid nanocapsules for controlled codelivery of doxorubicin and paclitaxel: physicochemical...

The enhancement of efficacy via the optimization of cancer drug ratios in lipid-polymer hybrid nanocapsules (LPHNs), including doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PTX), at diverse ratios, represents a viable approach for optimizing cancer therapy results. This study examined four specific (DOX: PTX) ratios, 20:80 (C1), 40:60 (C2), 60:40 (C3), and 80:20 (C4), to determine the best formulation and develop a dual-loaded fluorescent DOX-PTX nanocapsule with controlled release features for targeting breast cancer cells. This nanocapsule (NC), functionalized with folic acid (FA) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), exhibited accurate targeting abilities and in vitro visibility, indicating its use in individualized cancer treatment. The structural and physicochemical properties were evaluated via DLS, FTIR, XRD, PL spectroscopy, FESEM, and TEM. The cytotoxicity assay determined the average IC50 values for the MCF-7 cell line at 24 and 48 h, along with the cytotoxicity data presented in four sets, which were compared with those of the free drug against the MCF-7 cancer cell line. The encapsulation and release properties confirmed consistent drug loading and extended drug delivery. Moreover, the advancement of controlled release holds significant promise for enhancing its effectiveness. Single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) demonstrated the pronounced genotoxic effects of LPHNc, which was corroborated by cellular imaging, indicating effective absorption and distribution. The optimized drug concentration induced prominent DNA damage, G2/M phase arrest, and a notable sub-G1 population, confirming apoptosis via cell cycle analysis. These findings highlight the efficacy of LPHNc in inducing genotoxicity, disrupting proliferation, and causing cell death with a steady slope.