Design, Development and Optimization of Letrozole Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer Treatment

Abstract

The objective of the present research work was to design, develop and optimize Letrozole loaded polymeric nanoparticles in order to potentially maximize the therapeutic efficiency, to decrease toxicity as well as to minimize the drug side effects. Pectin and Tween 80 were used as polymer and surfactants respectively. Letrozole polymeric nanoparticles (LTZ-PNPs) were prepared by precipitation method. The drug-polymer compatibility was studied using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Microscopy (DSC). The formulations' optimization was done by design expert. The drug content (DC) and entrapment efficiency (EE) of nanoparticles (NPs) were evaluated by UV-Vis microscopy. The particle size of NPs were investigated using dynamic light scattering technique. The Franz diffusion cell was used for In-Vitro drug release studies. Accelerated stability studies were performed as per ICH guidelines. FTIR and DSC studies revealed compatibility between Letrozole and pectin. The DC was found to be uniform within all formulations (95%) and 96.87 % for the optimized formulation (F9). The E.E was found to be in the range of 68.87 to 95.11%. The NPs particle size was between 194 nm and 333 nm; F9 showed the particle size of 218.5 nm. Drug release from all formulated NPs followed nonfickian transport, thus the release mechanism was diffusion. The optimized formulation did not show a large variation in DC and EE when stored at 40 °C/75% RH as per ICH guidelines.

Quality by Design: Optimization of Letrozole Solid Lipid Nanoparticle for Breast Cancer

“…Breast cancer is the most leading type of cancer in females taking a significant toll on life across the globe. 1 Hormone receptor breast cancer is the most prevalent type of breast cancer that requires hormones for growth. 2 Hormone deprivation using aromatase inhibitors is recommended for the treatment of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer.…”