Fabrication of Poly Hydroxybutyrate-Polyethylene Glycol-Folic Acid Nanoparticles Loaded by Paclitaxel

In this study drug (paclitaxel)-loaded nanoparticles of poly hydroxybutyrate-polyethylene glycol-folic acid (PHB-PEG-FOL) were prepared by using an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The functionalization and conjugation steps in the chemical synthesis were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance tests (H-1 NMR). Morphology of nanoparticles was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Nanoparticles were characterized by particle size analyzer. Between two samples containing drug, the lower doses showed more homogeneous distribution, and the lowest aggregation. The drug release profiles showed a two-phase release including initial rapid release and a continuous release. MG63 cells were used to evaluate cytotoxicity. The cytotoxicity of PHB-PEG-FOL nanoparticles with drug against cancer cells was much higher and longer than free drug sample. These nanoparticles were successfully synthesized as a novel system for targeted drug delivery against cancer cells.