Synthesis and characterization of phase shift dextran stabilized nanodroplets for ultrasound-induced cancer therapy: A novel nanobiotechnology approach

Abstract

The nanobiotechnology, one heck of a biotechnology approach, is considered as a focal point in drug delivery systems. Although, plenty of novel approaches are reported in this area, it tackles with strict challenged which confine its broad application. Therefore, there is a need to dig deep into it along with all details. Here, a novel nanobiotechnology approach is described in detail for synthesis and characterization of phase shift dextran stabilized nanodroplets for ultrasound-induced cancer therapy. The aim of this work was to study the effect of parameters including homogenization speed and formulation of dextran and surfactant concentrations on particle size, entrapment efficiency and drug release kinetics of dextran stabilized perfluorohexane nanodroplets containing doxorubicin (Dox) drug. The obtained results showed that the particle size and encapsulation efficiency significantly increased by increasing polymer concentration. In addition, by increasing the homogenization speed, the particle size was increased while entrapment efficiency was decreased. On the other hand, by increasing the surfactant concentration, the particle size and entrapment efficiency reached to optimum values of 47.2 nm and 80.2%, respectively. In vitro release profile of doxorubicin was an apparently biphasic release process and 7–13% of drug was released after 24 h incubation in PBS with pH of 5.5, depending on the nanodroplets (ND) composition. Ultrasound exposure for 10 min resulted in triggered release of 82.95% of Dox from optimal formulation of sample C3 (0.1%w/v dextran, homogenization speed of 24000 rpm and Dox content of 500 µg).