Lenalidomide loaded lactoferrin nanoparticle for controlled delivery and enhanced therapeutic efficacy Mallina Sri Anusha*, Sundararajan Raja Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis & Quality Assurance, GITAM Institute of Pharmacy, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India-530 045 *Corresponding Author E-mail: mallinasrianusha@gmail.com
Online published on 20 December, 2018. Abstract Multiple myeloma is an aggressive form of cancer with high mortality rates. Common treatments for multiple myeloma involve a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy with Lenalidomide (Lnd). A major challenge with myeloma treatment is active resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Superior treatment outcome lies on balance involving optimum therapeutic doses and the side effects associated with dose escalation. The Aim of the present study is to efficiently entrap Lnd in lactoferrin nanoparticles (Lf NPs) in an attempt to enhance its therapeutic efficacy. Lnd loaded lactoferrin nanoparticles (Lnd-LfNPs) were prepared by sol oil method with a narrow size distribution of 120 ± 10 nm. Lnd-LfNPs exhibits high encapsulation efficiency (60%) and increased storage stability at 4 ºC. Interestingly, Lnd-LfNPs show a pH dependent drug release similar to endosomal pH (pH 5 and 6). Furthermore, compared to free Lnd, Lnd-LfNPs showed a higher intracellular uptake, prolonged retention and improved cytotoxicity (2.7-fold) in ovarian cells (SK-OV-3). To conclude, LfNPs represent a superior nano-carrier for the targeted delivery of Lnd in cancer cells intended for the efficient treatment of melanoma though detailed in vivo investigations are warranted. Top Keywords Multiple myeloma, Lenalidomide, solid tumors, lactoferrin, pH dependent, nano-carriers. Top |