Amorphous nanosuspensions aggregated from paclitaxel-hemoglobulin complexes with enhanced cytotoxicity

Abstract

Amorphous nanosuspensions (ANSs) enable rapid release and improved delivery of a poorly water-soluble drug; however, their preparation is challenging. Here, using haemoglobin (Hb) as a carrier, ANSs aggregated from paclitaxel (PTX)-Hb complexes were prepared to improve delivery of the hydrophobic anti-cancer agent. An affinity study demonstrated strong interaction between Hb and PTX. Importantly, the complexes could aggregate into <300 nm ANSs with high drug loading, which acidic condition facilitated their formation. Furthermore, the ANSs possessed improved cytotoxicity against cancer cells over the crystalline nanosuspensions. Taken together, ANSs aggregated from PTX-Hb complexes were developed, which could kill cancer cells with high efficiency.