Design and synthesizing appropriate carrier for release of dexamethasone as an anticancer drug

Abstract

Introduction: One of the effective drugs in the treatment of cancer is dexamethasone. Dexamethasone is known as one of the safest glucocorticoid, but there is still side-effects, due to its hydrophobicity and low bioavailability. The purpose of the present study is to design a controlled release carrier for dexamethasone in order to overcome constraints and reduce side effects. Materials and Methods: In the current experimental study, electrospun fibers were prepared in three Polylactic acid concentrations of 10% (w/v), 14% (w/v) and 18% (w/v) containing 5% (w/v) dexamethasone and were broken by aminolysis process using 1.6 diaminohexan / isopropanol. The morphology of the fibers and broken fibers was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The amount of drug loaded and cumulative percentage of drug-released from the broken fibers was determined in 144 h. Results: The result of fiber morphology evaluation showed that fiber diameter of 18% (w/v) compared to 14% (w/v) and in 14% (w/v) compared to 10% (w/v) increased by 13.1% and 17.5% respectively. Length of broken fibers in sample 18% (w/v) compared to 14% (w/v) and in the sample 14% (w/v) compared to 10% (w/v) decreased by 24.07% and 7.8%, respectively. The drug loading efficacy in broken fibers was 85%. The cumulative release of dexamethasone from the broken fibers increased with increasing polymer concentration. Conclusion: The design of a polylactic acid non-spherical controlled-release release system with a zero-degree release model can be useful for increasing therapeutic efficacy and reducing the side effects of high-dose dexamethasone.