Dermal delivery of doxorubicin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for the treatment of skin cancer

Abstract

Objective: Dermal delivery of Doxorubicin (Dox) would be an ideal way in maximising drug efficiency against skin cancer accompanying with minimising side effects. We investigated the potential of Dox-loaded Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for topical delivery against skin cancer.

Methods: In vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity of optimised formulation were evaluated on murine melanoma (B16F10) cells by MTT assay and melanoma induced Balb/C mice, respectively. Animal study followed by histological analysis.

Results: Optimised formulation showed mean particle size and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 92 nm and 86% w/w (0.86% w/w value of encapsulated Dox in the lipid matrix), respectively. FTIR experiment confirmed drug–lipid interaction interpreting the observed high EE value for Dox. In vitro and in vivo results indicated the superiority of cytotoxic performance of Dox-loaded SLN compared to Dox solution.

Conclusion: Our findings may open the possibilities for the topical delivery of Dox to the skin cancerous tissues.

Keywords:

• Solid lipid nanoparticles
• doxorubicin
• melanoma
• topical delivery
• SLN

Acknowledgements

We are sincerely grateful to Dr. Ahmad Yari Khosroshahi for providing the necessary structure for successful accomplishment of this research.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.