BSA-Based Nanoparticles for Dual Loading of Pazopanib and Enzalutamide: Formulation Optimization and In Vitro...

Objectives: Limited intracellular exposure can reduce the in vitro activity of pazopanib (PAZ) and enzalutamide (ENZ). This study developed bovine serum albumin (BSA) particles co-encapsulating PAZ and ENZ (PE-BSA) and evaluated physicochemical properties, release kinetics, 4T1 cellular uptake, and in vitro cytotoxicity versus free drugs and single-drug particles. Methods: Drug-loaded BSA particles were prepared using a crosslinking-based method. Particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and encapsulation efficiency (EE) were determined. In vitro release was assessed over 48 h and fitted to kinetic models. 4T1 uptake was quantified after 2 and 4 h by intracellular drug levels. Cytotoxicity was measured by MTT at 24 and 72 h (1-100 µg/mL). Moreover, cell death analyses were conducted. Stability studies at +4 °C and serum were also carried out. Results: PE-BSA was nanoscale and monodisperse (PS 128.7 ± 2.6 nm; PDI 0.026 ± 0.01) with ZP -31.65 ± 1.13 mV and high EE (PAZ 98.59 ± 1.78%; ENZ 69.79 ± 0.02%). At 24/48 h, cumulative release from PE-BSA was 11.96/12.31% for PAZ and 52.26/85.95% for ENZ. The release kinetics were best described by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model for PAZ (r² = 0.9578) and the Higuchi model for ENZ (r² = 0.9605), indicating diffusion-controlled release. PE-BSA increased 4T1 uptake versus free drugs (2 h: 10.02% PAZ and 21.9% ENZ; 1.77-fold and 4.15-fold), with sustained enhancement at 4 h (2.2- and 4.69-fold, respectively). After 24 h, PE-BSA induced a markedly higher apoptotic response in 4T1 cells (32.5% early apoptosis and 0.8% late apoptosis/early necrosis) compared with free-PAZ (6.6% early apoptosis) and P-BSA (7.3% early apoptosis). Particles were stable. Conclusions: PE-BSA produced BSA particles with diffusion-governed release and enhanced 4T1 internalization, supporting albumin particles as a delivery platform to increase intracellular exposure of PAZ/ENZ in vitro.