Erlotinib encapsulated oral chitosan modified lipid nanoparticles for lung cancer

Lung cancer ranks among the leading factors behind cancer-related fatalities across the globe. Erlotinib (ERT) is one of the frontline drugs used for lung cancer. However, ERT shows poor aqueous solubility, dissolution, gastrointestinal absorption, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, this study was planned to prepare D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) stabilized ERT-encapsulated chitosan modified lipid nanoparticles (ERT-CLNPs) for improved therapeutic outcomes. The developed ERT-CLNPs revealed spherical morphology with a particle size of less than 200 nm, low polydispersity, cationic zeta potential, and high entrapment efficiency. ERT-CLNPs showed excellent gastrointestinal stability and storage stability at different temperatures. ERT-CLNPs represented biphasic drug release profiles, high mucoadhesion efficiency, and enhanced intestinal permeation in comparison with the pure ERT dispersion. Further, cell viability assay using A549 lung cancer cells revealed the superior cytotoxic potential of the ERT-CLNPs than the pure ERT. Therefore, the encapsulation of ERT in the CLNPs can be a promising strategy for achieving better therapeutic outcomes.