Design, Characterization of Polymeric Nanoparticle of Docetaxel

Abstract

The present study aimed to design and characterize docetaxel-loaded polymeric nanoparticles to improve drug solubility, stability, and controlled delivery for enhanced anticancer therapy. Nanoparticles were prepared using a modified solvent evaporation–nanoprecipitation technique with Eudragit RSPO as the polymeric carrier and polyvinyl alcohol as a stabilizer. Nine formulations (DXPN1–DXPN9) were developed by varying polymer and surfactant concentrations and evaluated for physicochemical and in vitro characteristics. The nanoparticles exhibited particle sizes of 147–315 nm, suitable for tumor targeting via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Entrapment efficiency ranged from 71% to 91%, indicating effective drug incorporation. Zeta potential values (–19.1 to –30.7 mV) suggested good colloidal stability. FTIR analysis confirmed drug integrity and absence of drug–excipient interactions. In vitro drug release studies using the dialysis bag method showed sustained release over 24 hours for all formulations. Formulation DXPN7 exhibited optimal performance with minimal burst release and near-complete drug release (98.30%) at 24 hours. Release kinetics revealed that DXPN7 followed zero-order kinetics (R² = 0.99), while other formulations followed Higuchi or Korsmeyer–Peppas models. Stability studies of DXPN7 under accelerated and long-term conditions demonstrated negligible changes in particle size, entrapment efficiency, and physical appearance over 180 days. Overall, polymeric nanoparticles proved to be an effective and stable delivery system for docetaxel, with DXPN7 showing strong potential for sustained drug delivery, improved therapeutic efficacy, and reduced systemic toxicity.