ABSTRACT
Objective: To optimize the formula and preparation process of docetaxel-loaded pluronic P123 micelles. Methods:Docetaxel-loaded pluronic P123 micelles were prepared by a thin-film hydration method and optimized by central composite design and response surface methodology. The influencing factors including the quantity of docetaxel, volume of organic phase, volume of hydra-tion and temperature of hydration were investigated with the entrapment efficiency as the index. The morphology of micelles was ob-served under a transmission electron microscope. The particle diameter and zeta potential were determined. The in vitro release property was measured by a dialysis method. Results:The relationship between the influencing factors and the evaluation parameter was fitted by multi-linear equation, quadratic polynomial equation and cubic polynomial equation, respectively. The results showed that the cubic polynomial equation was superior to the others according to the correlation coefficient. Docetaxel-loaded pluronic P123 micelles were spherical with the mean diameter, zeta potential, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of 108. 3 nm,-3. 99 mV, 0. 265, (97. 91 ± 0. 28)% and (3. 72 ± 0. 12)%, respectively. The cumulative release in vitro reached 95. 03% in 120 h, and docetaxel-loaded pluronic P123 micelles had notable sustained-release property. Conclusion: The technical process for do-cetaxel-loaded pluronic P123 micelles is simple and usable, and docetaxel-loaded pluronic P123 micelles show high encapsulation effi-ciency and notable sustained-release property.