Polybutylcyanoacrylate magnetic nanoparticles as carriers of adriamycin

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to prepare and evaluate adriamycin-polybutylcyanoacrylate magnetic nanoparticles (ADR-PBCA-MNPs) as novel carriers of adriamycin. METHODS: ADR-PBCA-MNPs was prepared by the emulsion polymerization technique. Entrapment efficiency (ER) and drug load (DL) of nanoparticles, along with in vitro release were studied. Pharmacokinetic analysis was carried out in Kunming mice, with blood obtained at determined time points post administration. Biodistribution and recovery rate of ADR was measured and determined. RESULTS: Nanoparticles were visible as approximate spherical particles with good disparity, with an average diameter of 184.6 nm, a minimum diameter of 59.07 nm, and a maximum diameter of 291.66 nm as demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy. The ER and quantity of DL of ADR-PBCA-MNPs were 90.73 and 10.68%, respectively, measured by an ultraviolet-visible light spectrophotometer. In vitro study demonstrated that the release reached a balance after 72 h, with a total release rate of approximately 80%. As shown in pharmacokinetic studies in rats,the ADR-PBCA-MNPs group displayed a slowed doxorubicin release associated with better bioavailability. ADR-PBCA-MNPs reduced ADR accumulation at nontarget sites in the magnetic field, contributing to the reduced toxicity and side effects of ADR. CONCLUSION: ADR-PBCA-MNPs was successfully prepared and had a satisfactory targeted effect under the magnetic field, which can increase ADR concentration at target sites but not at non-target sites. As a result, the therapeutic effect of ADR may be greatly enhanced with minimized drug toxicity and side effects.