Paclitaxel conjugate block copolymer nanoparticle formation by flash NanoPrecipitation

Block copolymer drug nanoparticles have been explored for their potential in solubilizing hydrophobic drugs, reducing drug toxicity, and extending drug circulation times in vivo. Key factors in such applications involve the control of stability and nanoparticle size. Flash NanoPrecipitation, which was introduced recently, is an easily scalable technique that provides high solute loading, and controlled size nanoparticles using amphiphilic diblock copolymer stabilization. Using this technology, the anticancer drug paclitaxel conjugated to vitamin E succinate was formulated into stable and controlled size nanoparticles. Conjugation of the drug to vitamin E succinate to form a paclitaxel conjugate prior to mixing by Flash Nanoprecipitation reduces its solubility, and allows for the drug release rate to be controlled through the linker chemistry used to conjugate the drug to the nanoparticle.