Development and Characterization of Mitoxantrone-Loaded Glutaraldehyde Crosslinked Sodium Alginate Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Anticancer Drugs

Every year millions of new cases of various types of cancers are diagnosed, leading to an alarming rate of fatalities. Mitoxantrone is an anthracenedione antineoplastic agent which is used in the treatment of various types of cancer, mostly acute myeloid leukemia and prostate cancer. In spite of its therapeutic applications, it possesses numerous limitations and side effects including specific targeting and systemic toxicity. Sodium alginate is a biodegradable, mucoadhesive and biocompatible polymer commonly used in drug delivery applications. Glutaraldehyde is a saturated dialdehyde and is used as a polymer cross linker. In this study, mitoxantrone-loaded glutaraldehyde-sodium alginate nanoparticles were developed by ionic gelation method and characterized (determination of particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, drug release and its kinetics) for the delivery of anticancer drugs. The nanoparticles mean particle size was found to be within the acceptable range. The entrapment efficiency was also on the higher side with sustained drug release. The findings of this study reveal promising potential of delivery system and project the way forward for further in vitro and in vivo investigations.