Preparation of nano-emulsified paclitaxel using MPEG–PLGA diblock copolymers

In this work, we prepared nano-emulsified paclitaxel using administration form of the self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) in order to increase efficacy of paclitaxel. As paclitaxel delivery carrier, we chose MPEG–PLGA diblock copolymers with different hydrophilic and hydrophobic balances (HLB) by changing PLGA segments under constant MPEG segment. Paclitaxel and MPEG–PLGA diblock copolymers were dissolved by solubilizer such as tetraglycol, Cremophor ELP, and Labrasol. The droplet size for all formulations of nano-emulsified paclitaxel was found in the range of 200–300 nm by dynamic light scattering. The prepared SMEDDS showed a spherical shape of nano-emulsion. The storage stability of the nano-emulsified paclitaxels depended on HLB values of MPEG–PLGA diblock copolymers. In conclusion, we confirmed that the formulations tried in this study could be used as administration form of paclitaxel.