In vitro evaluation of folate-modified PLGA nanoparticles containing paclitaxel for ovarian cancer therapy

Author(s):Show less -

Luiz, Marcela Tavares ^[1] ; Abriata, Juliana Palma ^[1] ; Raspantini, Giovanni Loureiro ^[1] ; Tofani, Larissa Bueno ^[1] ; Fumagalli, Fernando ^[1] ; Gil de Melo, Shaiani Maria ^[1] ; Emery, Flavio da Silva ^[1] ; Swiech, Kamilla ^[1] ; Marcato, Priscyla Daniely ^[1] ; Lee, Robert ^[2] ; Marchetti, Juliana Maldonado ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Pharmaceut Sci Ribeirao Preto, Ave Cafe S-N, BR-14040903 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Ohio State Univ, Div Pharmaceut & Pharmaceut Chem, Columbus, OH 43210 - USA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Materials Science & Engineering C-Materials for Biological Applications; v. 105, DEC 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological cancer of female reproductive system. In order to improve the survival rate, some modifications on nanoparticles surfaces have been investigated to promote active targeting of drugs into tumor microenvironment. The aim of this study was the development and characterization of folate-modified (PN-PCX-FA) and unmodified PLGA nanoparticles (PN-PCX) containing paclitaxel for ovarian cancer treatment. Nanocarriers were produced using nanoprecipitation technique and characterized by mean particle diameter (MPD), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), encapsulation efficiency (EE), DSC, FTIR, in vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake. PN-PCX and PN-PCX-FA showed MPD < 150 nm and PDI < 0.2 with high EE (about 90%). Cytotoxicity assays in SKOV-3 cells demonstrated the ability of both formulations to cause cellular damage. PCX encapsulated in PN-PCX-FA at 1 nM showed higher cytotoxicity than PN-PCX. Folate-modified nanoparticles showed a 3.6-fold higher cellular uptake than unmodified nanoparticles. PN-PCX-FA is a promising system to improve safety and efficacy of ovarian cancer treatment. Further in vivo studies are necessary to prove PN-PCX-FA potential. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/03170-2 - Development and characterization of PLGA nanoparticles containing paclitaxel targeted with f olate for optimization of ovarian cancer therapy
• Grantee: Marcela Tavares Luiz
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master