ABSTRACT
CONTEXT: Technology for development of biodegradable nanoparticles encapsulating combinations for enhanced efficacy. OBJECTIVE: To develop docetaxel (DTX) and curcumin (CRM) co-encapsulated biodegradable nanoparticles for parenteral administration with potential for prolonged release and decreased toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Modified emulsion solvent-evaporation technique was employed in the preparation of the nanoparticles optimized by the face centered-central composite design (FC-CCD). The uptake potential was studied in MCF-7 cells, while the toxicity was evaluated by in vitro hemolysis test. In vivo pharmacokinetic was evaluated in male Wistar rats. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Co-encapsulated nanoparticles were developed of 219 nm size, 0.154 PDI, -13.74 mV zeta potential and 67.02% entrapment efficiency. Efficient uptake was observed by the nanoparticles in MCF-7 cells with decreased toxicity in comparison with the commercial DTX intravenous injection, Taxotere®. The nanoparticles exhibited biphasic release with initial burst release followed by sustained release for 5 days. The nanoparticles displayed a 4.3-fold increase in AUC (391.10 ± 32.94 versus 89.77 ± 10.58 µg/ml min) in comparison to Taxotere® with a 6.2-fold increase in MRT (24.78 ± 2.36 versus 3.58 ± 0.21 h). CONCLUSION: The nanoparticles exhibited increased uptake, prolonged in vitro and in vivo release, with decreased toxicity thus exhibiting potential for enhanced efficacy.
