Design of expert guided investigation of native L-asparaginase encapsulated long-acting cross-linker-free poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoformulation in an Ehrlich ascites tumor model

Abstract

Present study explores native L-asparaginase encapsulated long-acting cross-linker-free PLGA-nanoformulation in an Ehrlich ascites tumor model. L-asparaginase-PLGA nanoparticles for tumor were prepared using a double emulsion solvent evaporation technique, optimized and validated by Box-Behnken Design. L-ASN-PNs showed a particle size of 195 nm ± 0.2 nm and a PDI of 0.2. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques revealed its smooth morphology and elicited an in-vitro release of 80% of the drug, following the Higuchi drug release model. In-vivo studies of L-ASN-PNs on an Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) model were completed and compared with the standard medication of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment. L-ASN-PN treated mice showed a 51.15% decrease in tumor volume and 100% survival rate with no reduction in body weight, no haemotoxicity and no hepatotoxicity, as evident from the hematological parameters, and liver enzyme parameters that were well within the prescribed limits. Chemotherapy has severe side effects and restricted therapeutic success. Henceforth, the purported L-Asparaginase PLGA nanoparticles are a suitable entity for better tumor regression, intra-tumor accumulation and no hematological side-effects.