posted on 2013-05-29, 00:00authored byMaike Windbergs, Yuanjin Zhao, John Heyman, David A. Weitz
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.