title: Biodegradable core-shell carriers for simultaneous encapsulation of synergistic actives.
abstract: Simultaneous encapsulation of multiple active substances in a single carrier is essential for therapeutic applications of synergistic combinations of drugs. However, traditional carrier systems often lack efficient encapsulation and release of incorporated substances, particularly when combinations of drugs must be released in concentrations of a prescribed ratio. We present a novel biodegradable core-shell carrier system fabricated in a one-step, solvent-free process on a microfluidic chip; a hydrophilic active (doxorubicin hydrochloride) is encapsulated in the aqueous core, while a hydrophobic active (paclitaxel) is encapsulated in the solid shell. Particle size and composition can be precisely controlled, and core and shell can be individually loaded with very high efficiency. Drug-loaded particles can be dried and stored as a powder. We demonstrate the efficacy of this system through the simultaneous encapsulation and controlled release of two synergistic anticancer drugs using two cancer-derived cell lines. This solvent-free platform technology is also of high potential value for encapsulation of other active ingredients and chemical reagents.
authors: School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA. m.windbergs@mx.uni-saarland.de
authors: Maike
authors: M
authors: Windbergs
authors: Yuanjin
authors: Y
authors: Zhao
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Heyman
authors: David A
authors: DA
authors: Weitz
mesh_terms: D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004337:Drug Carriers; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010316:Particle Size
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D004317:Doxorubicin; D017239:Paclitaxel