Etoposide loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for curtailing B16F10 melanoma colonization in lung

Poor solubility of etoposide and associated poor bioavailability of the drug was circumvented by developing solid lipid nanocarrier system. The objective of the research work was to prepare etoposide loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) for improved efficacy and therapy of metastasized cancers. Entrapment of drug into nanoparticulate system modifies the pharmacokinetic and biodistribution profile of the drug with improved therapeutic efficacy. Solid lipid nanoparticles of various triglycerides were prepared using hot homogenization technique. Further, the process and formulation parameters viz. homogenization cycle and pressure, type of lipid were optimized. Developed nanoparticles were characterised for particle size, in vitro dissolution studies, DSC thermogram, surface morphology and cytotoxicity assay. Pharmacokinetic and biodistribution study were performed to assess the distribution of the drug in vivo. Modulation of the therapeutic activity of the drug was studied by performing antimetastatic activity on a B16F10 melanoma mouse model. The obtained results exhibited suitability of trimysristin for fabrication of nanoparticles. Characterisation of nanoparticles depicted formation of homogenous, spherical particles entrapping approximately 50% of the drug. The results for the performed MTT assay suggested that the developed nanoparticles exhibited cytotoxicity in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. These findings concord with the results of the in vitro dissolution profile. Pharmacokinetic parameters demonstrated increase in area under curve (AUC), t_1/2 and mean residence time (MRT) for drug in plasma. Further there is enhancement in the ratio of the drug that reaches to the highly perfused organs (upon encapsulation into solid lipid nanoparticles). Generally, cancer cells metastasized through the blood or lymphatic system. Accumulation of the drug in the highly perfused organ suggests suitability of the developed nanoparticles for targeting metastasized tumors. This was proved by the findings of the in vivo B16F10 mouse melanoma model. Improvement in the tumoricidal activity and survival rate of the animals substantiates the application of nanoparticles for improved therapeutic activity of etoposide.