Formulation, characterization and evaluation of cyclodextrin-complexed bendamustine-encapsulated PLGA nanospheres for sustained delivery in cancer treatment

PLGA nanospheres are considered to be promising drug carrier in the treatment of cancer. Inclusion complex of bendamustine (BM) with epichlorohydrin beta cyclodextrin polymer was prepared by freeze-drying method. Phase solubility study revealed formation of A(L) type complex with stability constant (Ks=645M(-1)). This inclusion complex was encapsulated into PLGA nanospheres using solid-in-oil-in-water (S/O/W) technique. The particle size and zeta potential of PLGA nanospheres loaded with cyclodextrin-complexed BM were about 151.4 +/- 2.53nm and-31.9 +/-(-3.08)mV. In-vitro release study represented biphasic release pattern with 20% burst effect and sustained slow release. DSC studies indicated that inclusion complex incorporated in PLGA nanospheres was not in a crystalline state but existed in an amorphous or molecular state. The cytotoxicity experiment was studied in Z-138 cells and IC50 value was found to be 4.3 +/- 0.11 mu M. Cell viability studies revealed that the PLGA nanospheres loaded with complex exerts a more pronounced effect on the cancer cells as compared to the free drug. In conclusion, PLGA nanospheres loaded with inclusion complex of BM led to sustained drug delivery. The nanospheres were stable after 3 months of storage conditions with slight change in their particle size, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency.