Formulation and characterization of polyester/polycarbonate nanoparticles for delivery of a novel microtubule destabilizing agent

Purpose: Since our newly synthesized potent 5-indolyl derivative, (2-(1 H-Indol-5-yl) thiazol-4-yl) 3, 4, 5-trimethoxyphenyl methanone (LY293), to treat resistant melanoma was hydrophobic, our objective was to synthesize a biodegradable copolymer for formulating this drug into nanoparticles and to determine its anticancer activity and mechanism of action. Methods: Methoxy poly (ethylene glycol)-b-poly (carbonate-co-lactide) [mPEG-b-P (CB-co-LA)] was synthesized for formulating LY293 into nanoparticles by o/w emulsification and stabilization by solvent evaporation. Particle size, drug release profile, in vitro efficacy in multiple melanoma cells, and mechanism of action of drug-loaded nanoparticles were determined. Results: LY293-loaded nanoparticles with 170 nm mean size and 2.2 and 4.16% drug loading efficiently inhibited proliferation of A375 and B16F10 cells with IC₅₀ of 12.5 nM and 25 nM, respectively. LY293 circumvented multidrug resistance and inhibited proliferation of Pgp overexpressing MDA-MB435/LCC6 MDR1 melanoma cells. Upon treatment with LY293-loaded nanoparticles, A375 cells underwent cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and apoptotic cell death. Immunofluorescence images showed inhibition of tubulin polymerization after treatment with LY293. Conclusion: LY293-loaded mPEG-b-P (CB-co-LA) nanoparticles showed excellent efficacy and induced apoptosis in melanoma cells. These polyester/polycarbonate-based nanoparticles provided an excellent platform to deliver different poorly soluble drugs to melanoma.