Formulation and Characterization of Noscapine-loaded Polycaprolactone Nanoparticles

Abstract

Objective: In this study, noscapine (Nos)-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles (NPs) have been prepared for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Materials and Methods: Nos-loaded PCL-NPs were prepared by double emulsion solvent evaporation method and characterized for particle size and its size distribution, zeta potential, surface morphology, drug entrapment efficiency, and drug release profile. In vitro cytotoxicity study was performed on U87MG cell lines. Results: Nos-loaded PCL-NPs were prepared for optimization of drug-polymer ratio, surfactant concentration, stirring time, and stirring revolutions per minute (RPM) and characterized for mean particles size range from 150 nm to 818 nm; the zeta potential values were in the range of −8.8 to −16.6 mV; the encapsulation efficiencies were between 38% and 79%; and the drug release for 96 h showed 85%. Scanning electron microscopy showed the smooth, spherical in shape. In vitro cytotoxicity showed reduced IC50 of Nos-loaded PCL-NPs when compared with pure drug. Conclusion: The Nos-loaded PCL-NPs were prepared successfully with target particle size around 200 nm for targeting the GBM with 31% reduced IC50 values.