Busulphan-loaded long-circulating nanospheres, a very attractive challenge for both galenists and pharmacologists

J Microencapsul. 2007 Dec;24(8):715-30. doi: 10.1080/02652040701500905.

Abstract

Hepatic veino-occlusive disease (HVOD) is the most severe and frequent busulphan high risk injury. The development of busulphan-loaded'stealth'nanospheres which avoid liver accumulation should minimize busulphan toxicity. To reach this important goal, this study has attempted to develop poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-coated nanospheres using polyester-PEG diblock copolymers and studied the busulphan physico-chemical characteristics related to its encapsulation. Nanospheres were prepared by nanoprecipitation and by emulsion-solvent evaporation techniques. They were characterized by microscopy and dynamic light-scattering. Busulphan interactions with adjuvants were studied using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, high performance thin-layer chromatography and dynamic scanning calorimetry. These investigations explain both the low busulphan loadings obtained ( approximately 1% w/w) and its rapid release from nanoparticles. These experiments constituted an essential step for the development of busulphan-loaded long-circulating nanospheres.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / chemistry*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / pharmacology
  • Busulfan / adverse effects
  • Busulfan / chemistry*
  • Busulfan / pharmacology
  • Calorimetry, Differential Scanning
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / adverse effects
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / chemistry
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / pharmacology
  • Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease / chemically induced
  • Nanocapsules / chemistry*
  • Nanocapsules / ultrastructure
  • Nanospheres / chemistry*
  • Nanospheres / ultrastructure
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Nanocapsules
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Busulfan