Exemestane encapsulated vitamin E-TPGS–polymeric nanoparticles: preparation, optimization, characterization, and in vitro cytotoxicity assessment

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to formulate and optimize exemestane (EXM) encapsulated vitamin E-TPGS–poly-ɛ-caprolactone based polymeric nanoparticles (TPGS–PCLNPs) for enhancing its anticancer efficacy. The 23 factorial design was employed to investigate the combined influence of formulation and process variables on properties of TPGS–PCLNPs, prepared by nanoprecipitation method. The physicochemical characterization revealed the encapsulation of EXM in amorphous form without any interaction inside spherical shaped TPGS–PCLNPs. In vitro cytotoxicity study on MCF-7 breast cancer cells exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity of EXM by encapsulating in TPGS–PCLNPs. The TPGS–PCLNPs can serve as potential delivery vehicle for EXM to improve its therapeutic efficacy. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.