Formulation and Biocompatibility of Microemulsion-Based PMBN as an Efficient System for Paclitaxel Delivery

Introduction: Paclitaxel (PTX), an effective chemotherapeutic drug, is widely used to treat several types of cancer. Its use is limited due to poor water-solubility of PTX, which results in poor bioavailability. One of the main ways to increase the efficacy and endurance of medications depends on the carrier that used for it. In current study, we investigated the microemulsions (ME) based on PMBN ability as a carrier for PTX to increase the half-life and its bioavailability. Also, the physicochemical properties of ME system were evaluated. Materials and Methods: PMBN, tween 80, triacetin, and glycerol were used as the drug carrier, surfactant, oil phase, and co-surfactant, respectively. The hemolytic activity was characterized using the RBC hemolysis assay to evaluate the blood compatibility of the MEs. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxic effect of PMBN-PTX-ME and PTX on MCF-7, 4T1, and HFF-2 cell lines was performed. PI and Annexin-V dyes were used for cell apoptosis. Results: The conductivity of ME evaluated and was 432 to 589 µS/cm. In vitro drug release study has shown that PTX has controlled release at different pH. Refractive index (RI) and % transmittance of the MEs were ranging from 1.43 to 1.53, and 89% to 98% respectively. MTT assay determined that PMBN-ME without PTX had no significant toxicity on HFF-2, MCF-7 and 4T-1 cell lines. Based on apoptosis assay, treated cell lines with PMBN were approximately remained alive. Conclusions: The results revealed that ME-based on PMBN would be a promising drug delivery system for PTX drug delivery.