Juglone loaded poloxamer 188/phospholipid mixed micelles evaluated in vitro and in vivo in breast cancer

Abstract Aim Investigating the effects of juglone loaded P188/phospholipid mixed micelles (J-MM) in breast cancer. Materials & methods In vitro cytotoxicity, apoptotic effects, in vivo therapeutic efficacy and toxicity were used to assess its antitumour effect. Uptake and imaging were used to evaluate the effect on the uptake and passive targeting. Results Mixed micelle carrier enhanced the targeting and uptake by MB-231 cells. The tumour inhibition rates in tumour xenograft models for paclitaxel, juglone, J-MM (10 mg/kg) and J-MM (40 mg/kg) were 46%, 27%, 39% and 53%, respectively. J-MM (10 mg/kg) exhibited lower toxicity compared with that by free juglone or high dose J-MM. Conclusion J-MM exhibited low toxicity, improved cellular uptake, passive targeting and anti-cancer effects in breast cancer model.