Conclusion
These results concluded that GEF-P-SLN is a promising approach to improving the therapeutic outcomes of GEF in the treatment of metastatic lung cancer.
Methods
The prepared SLNs were characterized in terms of physicochemical properties, entrapment efficiency, and in-vitro release. Furthermore, ex-vivo permeability was investigated using the rabbit intestine. Cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects were studied against A549 cell lines as a model for lung cancer.
Purpose
The present study aimed to develop gefitinib-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (GEF-SLN), and GEF-loaded PEGylated SLN (GEF-P-SLN) for targeting metastatic lung cancer through the lymphatic system.
Results
The present results revealed that the particle size and polydispersity index of the prepared formulations range from 114 to 310 nm and 0.066 to 0.350, respectively, with negative zeta-potential (-14 to -27.6). Additionally, SLN and P-SLN showed remarkable entrapment efficiency above 89% and exhibited sustained-release profiles. The permeability study showed that GEF-SLN and GEF-P-SLN enhanced the permeability of GEF by 1.71 and 2.64-fold, respectively, compared with GEF suspension. Cytotoxicity showed that IC50 of pure GEF was 3.5 μg/mL, which decreased to 1.95 and 1.8 μg/mL for GEF-SLN and GEF-P-SLN, respectively. Finally, the apoptotic study revealed that GEF-P-SLN decreased the number of living cells from 49.47 to 3.43 when compared with pure GEF.