Enhancing palbociclib efficacy with low toxicity in breast cancer using polycaprolactone-based nanocarriers

Breast cancer, stands as a prevalent form of cancer that results in a significant number of fatalities annually. Palbociclib (PAL) functions by impeding the activity of CDK4 and CDK6 proteins, thereby halting the division and generation of new cells within the body. Polycaprolactone-palbociclib (PAL@PCL) nanocapsules were synthesized in the present study. The physicochemical characteristics of the synthesized nanocapsules were examined using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering analysis. Additionally, the release profile of PAL from the nanocapsules was assessed and analyzed. Moreover, an analysis was carried out on the biological attributes of the PAL@PCL nanocapsules, with a specific emphasis on evaluating cytotoxicity through in vitro experimentation using the MTT assay method on the MCF-7 cell line. Throughout the 40-day period, the nanocapsules demonstrated an average hydrodynamic diameter of 240 nm and an average dispersion index of 0.31. The zeta potential of the PAL@PCL nanocapsules remained negative, indicating their continued stability throughout the entire period. The TEM images indicated that the nanocapsules preserved a spherical morphology with a consistent size distribution, highlighting their ability to resist aggregation. The evaluation of cytotoxic effects and determination of the IC₅₀ value demonstrate a slow and regulated drug release from the nanocapsules, resulting in improved therapeutic characteristics and overall efficiency of the nanocapsules.