Development of novel docetaxel-loaded gelatin nanoparticles for intravenous application: Hemolytic activity, hematological study, and biodistribution profile or in vivo cancer study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study to evaluates the physiochemical properties, drug loading, in vitro release, and anticancer study. Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death. Docetaxel is used to treat primary breast cancer (cancer that started in the breast and has not spread to other parts of the body) in combination with other specific chemotherapy drugs. Docetaxel is also used alone or with other drugs to treat cancer that has spread to areas around the breast such as the lymph nodes above or below the collarbone (known as regional or locally advanced recurrence), or to other parts of the body (secondary breast cancer). Materials and Methods: Docetaxel-loaded gelatin nanoparticles using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, particle size and size distribution, scanning electron microscopy, drug entrapment efficiency, differential scanning calorimetry, and energy dispersive X-ray were characterized. Results: Solubility, crystallinity, and the crystal properties of an active pharmaceutical ingredient play a critical role in the value chain of pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, and formulation. The rate of drug release for formulation stored at 45 ± 1°C was increased as compared with the fresh formulation; it might be due to the formation of more pores in the nanoparticles due to evaporation of residual amount of solvent. The tissue distribution studies were performed with docetaxel-loaded gelatin nanoparticles after intravenous (IV) injection in Ehrlich ascites tumor-bearing mice. The tissue distribution studies showed a higher concentration of docetaxel- in the tumor as compared with gelatin nanoparticles. The in vivo tumor inhibition study was also performed after IV injection of docetaxel-loaded gelatin nanoparticles up to 15 days. The docetaxel-loaded gelatin nanoparticles reduced tumor volume significantly as compared with plain docetaxel. Our results revealed that docetaxel-loaded gelatin nanoparticles may perhaps maintain the antioxidant levels and reduce the tumor markers thereby exerting chemopreventive potential. Conclusion: These findings support the use of docetaxel-loaded gelatin nanoparticles in target-specific therapy for cancer treatment.