Production of LMWH-conjugated core/shell hydrogels encapsulating paclitaxel for transdermal delivery: In vitro and in vivo assessment

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2019-05, Vol.128, p.610-620
• Main Authors: Taktak, Fulya, Bütün, Vural, Tuncer, Cansel, Demirel, Hasan Hüseyin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cationic gel; Tape stripping; Topical delivery
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.01.184

Topical applications that reduce systemic toxic effects while increasing therapeutic efficacy are a promising alternative strategy. The aim of this study was to provide an enhanced transdermal delivery of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) through the stratum corneum by using cationic carrier as a novel permeation enhancer. Recent studies have shown that heparin-conjugated biomaterials can be effective in inhibiting tumor growth during cancer treatment due to their high ability to bind growth factors. Paclitaxel (PCL) was co-encapsulated into the same cationic carrier for the purpose of improving of therapeutic efficacy for a combined cancer treatment with LMWH. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that the LMWH and PCL release was significantly affected by polymer molecular weight and block composition. Skin penetration tests have indicated that larger amounts of LMWH were absorbed from LMWH-gel conjugate through SC, than aqueous formula. However, it was found that the plasma transition of LMWH released from gel conjugate was lower compared to the plasma concentration of LMWH released from aqueous solution. It is recommended that PCL-loaded LMWH-conjugated core/shell hydrogels can be used as promising drug release systems for transdermal applications that can improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects in a combined cancer treatment. [Display omitted] •LMWH-conjugated cationic core/shell hydrogels were successfully developed.•Paclitaxel (PCL) was simultaneously encapsulated into the hydrophobic core of these hydrogels.•Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated the slow sustained release profiles of hydrogels.•Skin permeation tests showed that cationic core/shell hydrogels effectively delivers LMWH to the deeper dermal layers.•LMWH-conjugated cationic core/shell hydrogels could be promising carriers for transdermal drug delivery system.