Development and Evaluation of Docetaxel-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Skin Cancer Therapy
Florentina-Iuliana Cocoș,
Valentina Anuța,
Lăcrămioara Popa,
Mihaela Violeta Ghica,
Mihaela-Alexandra Nica,
Mirela Mihăilă,
Radu Claudiu Fierăscu,
Bogdan Trică,
Cristian Andi Nicolae,
Cristina-Elena Dinu-Pîrvu
Affiliations
Florentina-Iuliana Cocoș
Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania
Valentina Anuța
Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania
Lăcrămioara Popa
Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania
Mihaela Violeta Ghica
Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania
Mihaela-Alexandra Nica
Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania
Mirela Mihăilă
Center of Immunology, Ștefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, 030304 Bucharest, Romania
Radu Claudiu Fierăscu
National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM Bucharest, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
Bogdan Trică
National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM Bucharest, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
Cristian Andi Nicolae
National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM Bucharest, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
Cristina-Elena Dinu-Pîrvu
Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania
This study focuses on the design, characterization, and optimization of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with docetaxel for the treatment of skin cancer. Employing a systematic formulation development process guided by Design of Experiments (DoE) principles, key parameters such as particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency were optimized to ensure the stability and drug-loading efficacy of the NLCs. Combined XRD and cryo-TEM analysis were employed for NLC nanostructure evaluation, confirming the formation of well-defined nanostructures. In vitro kinetics studies demonstrated controlled and sustained docetaxel release over 48 h, emphasizing the potential for prolonged therapeutic effects. Cytotoxicity assays on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and SK-MEL-24 melanoma cell line revealed enhanced efficacy against cancer cells, with significant selective cytotoxicity and minimal impact on normal cells. This multidimensional approach, encompassing formulation optimization and comprehensive characterization, positions the docetaxel-loaded NLCs as promising candidates for advanced skin cancer therapy. The findings underscore the potential translational impact of these nanocarriers, paving the way for future preclinical investigations and clinical applications in skin cancer treatment.