Development and optimization of paclitaxel loaded Eudragit/PLGA nanoparticles by simplex lattice mixture design: Exploration of improved hemocompatibility and in vivo kinetics.

Anemia is the most common hematological abnormality of chemotherapy, which is responsible for poor clinical outcomes. To overcome this complication, the present study was aimed for developing a Eudragit/polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) based nanoparticulate system for a model drug paclitaxel (PTX). The study was planned using a simplex lattice mixture design. PTX nanoparticles (PTXNp) were evaluated in vitro for physicochemical properties, hemolytic effects and cytotoxic effects. Further, the nanoparticles were subjected to in vivo screening using rats for hemocompatibility, pharmacokinetic profile, and biodistribution to the vital organs. The PTXNps were 65.77–214.73 nm in size, showed more than 60% sustained drug release in 360 h and caused less than 8% hemolysis. The parameters like red blood cell count, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT) and C3 complement were similar to the negative control. Cytotoxicity results suggested that all the PTXNp demonstrated drug concentration-dependent cytotoxicity. The in vivo pharmacokinetic study concluded that PTXNp formulations had significantly higher blood AUC (93.194.55–163,071.15 h*ng/mL), longer half-lives (5.80–6.35 h) and extended mean residence times (6.05–8.54 h) in comparison to PTX solution (p < 0.05). Overall, the study provides a nanoparticulate drug delivery system to deliver PTX safely and effectively along with reducing the associated hematological adverse effects. [Display omitted] • A simplex lattice mixture design of experiment was used to study the influence of formulation polymers (ERSPO, ERLPO and PLGA) and their respective concentrations on particle size, hemolysis and drug release. • Lastly, the three optimized nanoparticles were evaluated in vitro and in vivo specifically for their pharmacokinetic profile, biodistribution studies, and hemocompatibility studies. • The optimized PTX nanoparticles demonstrated significant hemocompatibility as compared to pure drug solution. • The mean AUC and terminal half-life of PTX upon IV administration of PTXNp was significantly higher than from pure PTX solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]