Self-Assemble Amphiphilic PEO-PPO-PEO Tri-Block Co-Polymeric Methotrexate Nanomicelles to Combat MCF7 Cancer Cells

Abstract

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is a water-insoluble, anti-tumor agent, causes adverse effects like bone marrow suppression, chronic interstitial obstructive pulmonary disease, hepatotoxicity, leukopenia, interstitial pneumonitis and nephrotoxicity with slow drug release rate. Objective: The present study was aimed for successfully incorporating of MTX into novel-targeted Pluronic (PEO-PPOPEO tri-block co-polymer) F127 polymeric micelles intended for intravenous administration with improved drug loading and sustained release behavior necessary to achieve better efficacy of MTX. Methods: MTX-loaded Pluronic F127 micelles were characterized for critical micelle concentration, particle size and zeta potential, 1H NMR, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency characterization, cell uptake, in vitro release study along with partition coefficient and solubilization thermodynamics. Results: The micellar formulation resulted in nano size 27.32±1.43nm of PF127/SDS, as compared to Pluronic F127 micelles or PF127/Phosphatidyl choline which were 30.52±1.18nm and 154.35±5.5nm in size, respectively. The uptake of PF127/SDS micellar formulation incorporating Rhodamine 123 in MCF7 cancer cells was found to be higher (84.25%) than PF127/PC, PF127 and MTX i.e. 66.26%, 73.59% and 53% respectively. The in vitro MTX release from PF127, PF127/SDS and PF127/PC polymeric micelles formulations was observed to be 69%, 69.5% and 66% at 12 h whereas 80.89%, 77.67% and 78.54% after 24 h, respectively and revealed a sustained release. MTX-loaded PF127/SDS micelles showed high partition coefficient and negative free energy of solubilization compared to PF127 and PF127/PC which signify self-assembly behavior and thermodynamic stability towards higher dissociation. Conclusion: It was finally concluded that MTX-loaded PF127/SDS micelles act as a potential anticancer delivery system in comparison to PF127/PC and PF127 to combat tumor cells by enhancing their cellular uptake targeting with sustained release pattern and reducing the thermodynamic instability. Thus, PF127/SDS micellar formulation can provide a useful alternative dosage form for intravenous administration of MTX.