Noyes-Whitney Dissolution Model-Based pH-Sensitive Slow Release of Paclitaxel from Human Hair-Derived Keratin Microparticle Carriers

    May 2021 in “ BioMed research international ”
    V W Wimalasiri, Shashiprabha P. Dunuweera, Asiri N. Dunuweera, R.M.G. Rajapakse
    TLDR Human hair-derived particles can effectively carry and release the cancer drug Paclitaxel in a pH-sensitive manner, potentially targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
    The study investigated the use of human hair-derived keratin microparticle carriers for the pH-sensitive slow release of Paclitaxel (Taxol), applying the Noyes-Whitney dissolution model to understand the release mechanism. The keratin particles (KPs) showed a high encapsulation efficiency of 56% and a drug loading capacity of 2.36 g/g. The release of Taxol was pH-dependent, with faster release at higher pH levels (5.0 to 7.0), and demonstrated a sustained, slow-release profile without an initial burst. The findings suggested that keratin microparticles could enhance the therapeutic efficacy of Paclitaxel and reduce side effects, making them a promising vehicle for targeted cancer therapy.
    Discuss this study in the Community →