Aim: To encapsulate the nucleoside gemcitabine (GEM) in novel PEGylated polymeric nanocapsules (NanoGEM). Materials & methods: The biological activity of NanoGEM was tested both in vitro and in vivo in comparison with the free drug. The NanoGEM was made of polylactic acid and allowed the entrapment of a great amount of GEM. Results & discussion: The NanoGEM showed mean sizes of approximately 200 nm, a polydispersity index of approximately 0.1 and a ζ-potential of -30 mV. It exerted a stronger, quicker effect on the reduction of HEK293 cell growth in vitro in comparison with free GEM and had an in vivo antitumoral effect on the proliferation of xenograft tumors at a drug dosage tenfold less than its saline solution. The employment of nanocapsules increased the plasmatic half-life of the drug and allowed a great accumulation of GEM inside the tumors. Conclusion: NanoGEM represents a promising new tool for the treatment of cancer.
Gemcitabine-loaded biocompatible nanocapsules for the effective treatment of human cancer.
MORETTI, Sonia;PUXEDDU, Efisio;
2013
Abstract
Aim: To encapsulate the nucleoside gemcitabine (GEM) in novel PEGylated polymeric nanocapsules (NanoGEM). Materials & methods: The biological activity of NanoGEM was tested both in vitro and in vivo in comparison with the free drug. The NanoGEM was made of polylactic acid and allowed the entrapment of a great amount of GEM. Results & discussion: The NanoGEM showed mean sizes of approximately 200 nm, a polydispersity index of approximately 0.1 and a ζ-potential of -30 mV. It exerted a stronger, quicker effect on the reduction of HEK293 cell growth in vitro in comparison with free GEM and had an in vivo antitumoral effect on the proliferation of xenograft tumors at a drug dosage tenfold less than its saline solution. The employment of nanocapsules increased the plasmatic half-life of the drug and allowed a great accumulation of GEM inside the tumors. Conclusion: NanoGEM represents a promising new tool for the treatment of cancer.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
