Influence of Nanocarrier Type on the Drug Delivery Aspects of Docetaxel: Empirical Evidences

Purpose: Docetaxel (DTX) is one of the anti-neoplastic drugs widely employed in breast cancer management. Along with advantages, several challenges are associated with administering the BCS class IV drugs like DTX. Looking into the promises of various nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, it was envisioned to explore the influence of carrier type on the drug delivery outcome for this anticancer agent. Methods: In the present study, docetaxel was encapsulated into solid lipid nanoparticles, nano-lipoidal carriers, liposomes, niosomes, and microemulsion systems and the various systems were characterized. The carriers were also evaluated for drug release profile, anticancer activity on cell lines, apoptosis assays, and hemocompatibility. Results: The developed nano-formulations were found to offer a spatiotemporal pattern of drug release. There was a substantial enhancement in the cytotoxicity of the drug against the cancer cells. It was vouched by the flow-cytometry assay and MTT-cytotoxicity studies. The developed systems were found to be compatible with the erythrocytes vis-à-vis the plain drug. Conclusion: The study encompassing the drug loading and drug release capabilities of a BCS class IV drug, offering scientific evidence for better efficacy and safety coupled with plasma protein binding insights, provides a platform to select appropriate nanocarrier out of the plethora of options.