Preparation and characterization of alginate gel core-lipid nanocapsules for co-delivery of hydrophilic and hydrophobic anti-cancer drugs

Abstract

Novel alginate gel-core lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) consisting of hydrogel islets in an oil filled matrix and surrounded by a polymeric shell were prepared by hot homogenization and double emulsion method, for co-delivery of both hydrophilic (gemcitabine) and hydrophobic (paclitaxel) anticancer drugs. This system was prepared using a relatively simple and organic solvent-free method using only excipients that are approved by the FDA. The liquid oil matrix allowed the solubilization and encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs such as paclitaxel, whereas alginate hydrogel islets encapsulated hydrophilic drugs such as gemcitabine. Alginate gel-core LNCs were characterized with respect to particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release. Dual drug-loaded alginate gel-core LNCs had a particle size of 171.8 ± 4.1 nm and PDI of 0.201 ± 0.005, respectively, and showed core–shell type spherical morphology with a smooth surface. In addition, alginate gel core-LNCs underwent sustained release of both drugs. These results suggest that alginate gel core-LNCs may be used for co-delivery of hydrophilic (gemcitabine) and hydrophobic (paclitaxel) anticancer drugs.