Abstract

INVESTIGATION OF NANOPARTICLE-BASED EXTRACTION AND PURIFICATION METHODS FOR TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY IN BREAST CANCER THERAPY

Nidhi Saxena, Kavita Shukla, Ankur Jain, Smriti Mathur, Anupam Verma, Gireesh Tripathi, Pratibha Devi and AbhishekShrivastava*

ABSTRACT

This study explores the development and optimization of an HPLC-based analytical and bioanalytical method for the targeted delivery of paclitaxel (PTX) and docetaxel (DTX) in breast cancer therapy using nanoparticle formulations. The study employed reverse-phase chromatography with a C18 column, suitable for the analysis of these chemotherapeutic agents due to their low molecular weight (<2000). The HPLC conditions were optimized for both the analytical and bioanalytical methods, which involved a linear gradient elution, precise mobile phase composition, and retention times specific to PTX and DTX. The method demonstrated robust analytical performance, with a PDA detector operating at a wavelength of 227 nm, providing optimal detection for the drugs. The solubility of PTX and DTX was tested under physiological conditions, revealing significant improvement upon nanoparticle formulation. Further, the characterization of the nanoparticles, including their particle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency, was performed. These formulations displayed controlled release profiles, which were evaluated using various kinetic models. In vitro cytotoxicity tests confirmed the effectiveness of the nanoparticle formulations in killing breast cancer cells, with enhanced solubility and stability compared to the free drugs. The pharmacokinetic studies indicated improved drug bioavailability, as evidenced by prolonged circulation time and enhanced tumor accumulation. The results suggest that these nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems could provide significant improvements in the efficacy of PTX and DTX in breast cancer treatment.

Keywords: Nanoparticles, Paclitaxel, Docetaxel, HPLC, Targeted Drug Delivery, Breast Cancer, Solubility Enhancement, Pharmacokinetics.