Preparation, Characterization, and Release Profile Study of Vincristine Sulfate-loaded Polycaprolactone Nanoparticles

Abstract

Vincristine sulfate is commonly used to treat different types of cancers. However, its effectiveness is hindered by undesirable side effects, which significantly limit its applications in medicine. This study aims to prepare vincristine nanoparticles, in order to develop a promising approach for cancer therapy. Vincristine nanoparticles were prepared by utilizing polycaprolactone as a carrier through the double emulsion method. The morphological characteristics and particle size of the vincristine nanoparticles were examined. The surface charge and average dynamic size, encapsulation efficiency in addition to release profile study were also evaluated. Dynamic Light Scattering confirmed the small size of nanoparticles (~200 nm). SEM showed spherical-shaped nanoparticles with smooth surfaces, and the polydispersity index values of the prepared nanoparticles were below 0.5 in all preparations. The zeta potential of the nanoparticles was found to be negative, which can be attributed to the presence of carboxylic groups in the PCL polymer, The encapsulation efficiency of Vincristine-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) varied from 36% to 57% for all the prepared NPs with varying amounts of PCL. The release profile demonstrated a prolonged release of Vincristine from the nanoparticles compared to the Vincristine solution. The double emulsion solvent evaporation method was used successfully to prepare vincristine- loaded PCL nanoparticles, which suggests that nanoscale carriers hold promise as effective vehicles for delivering chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer.