Preparation of liposomal nanocarrier by extruder to enhance tumor accumulation of paclitaxel

Despite the wide-spectrum and effective anti-cancer activity of paclitaxel (PTX), their low solubility and side effects are the main challenges in their clinical application. In this study, a model paclitaxel-encapsulated nanoliposome (NLips-PTX) carrier was synthesized to enhance PTX solubility and increase its passive accumulation at the tumor site. Soy lecithin and cholesterol at a 9:1 ratio were used to prepare the nano-sized liposomes through the thin-film hydration followed by extrusion technique. The prepared spherical NLips-PTX liposomes with an average size of about 150 nm and high uniformity were characterized by DLS and TEM. PTX load efficiency of NLips was determined at about 85% by HPLC. NLips-PTX also showed a therapeutic effect toward breast cancer cells (MCF-7) in a dose- and time-dependent manner via in vitro cellular uptake and a cytotoxicity study. This research indicates that extrusion is a simple and convenient method for nano-sizing and homogenising liposome suspension for potentially effective delivery of drug to target tumor sites.

Automated summary

A model paclitaxel-encapsulated nanoliposome carrier was synthesized to enhance the solubility and accumulation of paclitaxel at tumor sites, showing therapeutic effects towards breast cancer cells in vitro. The study suggests that extrusion is a simple and convenient method for nano-sizing and homogenising liposome suspension for effective drug delivery.