Hydrotropic solubilization of paclitaxel: analysis of chemical structures for hydrotropic property.
OBJECTIVE
To identify hydrotropic agents that can increase aqueous paclitaxel (PTX) solubility and to study the chemical structures necessary for hydrotropic properties so that polymeric hydrotropic agents can be synthesized.


METHODS
More than 60 candidate hydrotropic agents (or hydrotropes) were tested for their ability to increase the aqueous PTX solubility. A number of nicotinamide analogues were synthesized based on the observation that nicotinamide showed a favorable hydrotropic property. The identified hydrotropes for PTX were used to examine the structure-activity relationship.


RESULTS
N,N-Diethylnicotinamide (NNDENA) was found to be the most effective hydrotropic agent for PTX. The aqueous PTX solubility was 39 mg/ml and 512 mg/ml at NNDENA concentrations of 3.5 M and 5.95 M, respectively. These values are 5-6 orders of magnitude greater than the intrinsic solubility of 0.30 +/- 0.02 microg/ml. N-Picolylnicotinamide, N-allylnicotinamide, and sodium salicylate were also excellent hydrotropes for PTX. Solubility data showed that an effective hydrotropic agent should be highly water soluble while maintaining a hydrophobic segment.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study identified several hydrotropic agents effective for increasing aqueous solubility of PTX and analyzed the structural requirements for this hydrotropic property. This information can be used to find other hydrotropic compounds and to synthesize polymeric hydrotropes that are effective for PTX and other poorly water-soluble drugs.
Lee
Jaehwi
J
Department of Pharmaceutics and Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
Lee
Sang Cheon
SC
Acharya
Ghanashyam
G
Chang
Ching-jer
CJ
Park
Kinam
K
D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D015394:Molecular Structure; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D012995:Solubility / Q000187:drug effects
D004337:Drug Carriers; D017239:Paclitaxel