Formulation and Characterization of Noscapine-loaded Polycaprolactone Nanoparticles

Abstract

Objective: In this study, noscapine (Nos)-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles (NPs) have been
prepared for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Materials and Methods: Nos-loaded PCL-NPs
were prepared by double emulsion solvent evaporation method and characterized for particle size and its size
distribution, zeta potential, surface morphology, drug entrapment efficiency, and drug release profile. In vitro
cytotoxicity study was performed on U87MG cell lines. Results: Nos-loaded PCL-NPs were prepared for
optimization of drug-polymer ratio, surfactant concentration, stirring time, and stirring revolutions per minute
(RPM) and characterized for mean particles size range from 150 nm to 818 nm; the zeta potential values were in
the range of −8.8 to −16.6 mV; the encapsulation efficiencies were between 38% and 79%; and the drug release
for 96 h showed 85%. Scanning electron microscopy showed the smooth, spherical in shape. In vitro cytotoxicity
showed reduced IC50 of Nos-loaded PCL-NPs when compared with pure drug. Conclusion: The Nos-loaded
PCL-NPs were prepared successfully with target particle size around 200 nm for targeting the GBM with 31%
reduced IC50 values.