Irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate loaded folic acid-tailored solid lipid nanoparticles for targeting colorectal cancer: development, characterization, and in vitro cytotoxicity study using HT-29 cells

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the potential of folic acid-tailored solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for encapsulation as well as for in vitro cytotoxicity study of irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate (IHT) against colorectal cancer (CRC) by using HT-29 cells.

Methods: Solvent diffusion technique was employed for the preparation of SLNs. Further, the formulations were optimised via three-level, three-factor Box–Behnken design (BBD).

Results: The uncoupled SLNs (IRSLNs) and folic acid-coupled SLNs (IRSLNFs) formulations revealed not only high %entrapment efficiency but also small particle size. Moreover, in vitro drug release results from IRSLNs and IRSLNFs confirmed that they followed sustained-release effect for up to 144 h. Whereas, in vitro cell viability study against HT-29 cell line suggested significantly (p < 0.05) higher cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 15 µg/ml) of IRSLNFs over IRSLNs and IHT solution.

Conclusions: Outcomes suggested that the engineered IRSLNFs hold great potential for targeting CRC for an extended period of time.

Keywords:

• Folic acid
• SLNs
• irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate
• Box–Behnken design
• colorectal cancer
• HT-29 cells

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Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Financial support was received from UGC, New Delhi, India, in terms of University Fellowship for PhD programme.