Investigations on the development of biodegradable nanoparticles for anti-cancer drug

In this research study, it has been attempted to synthesize mPEG-PCL dual copolymers and use their nanoparticles for tamoxifen anticancer drug delivery. Tamoxifen is a non-steroidal anti-estrogen that also has weak estrogenic effects. Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer and infertility dependent on oligomenorrhea or secondary amenorrhea. This drug inhibits estradiol receptors and, using it, ovulation involves the occupation of estrogen receptors and eliminates the inhibitory effect of the hormone and thereby stimulates the release of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus. In order to increase the local concentration of tamoxifen in Estrogen Receptor (ER) positive breast cancer, we have prepared and characterized nanoparticle formulation using methoxy poly (ethylene glycol) -Poly (epsilon-caprolactone) (mPEG-PCL). In this study, PEG-PCL copolymers were synthesized from mPEG and epsilon-caprolactone (epsilon-CL) using Sn(oct)(2) as catalyst by ring opening polymerization. The copolymers were prepared and characterized by H-1-NMR, FTIR, DSC and GPC. From the results, it was clear that nanoparticles showed sustained release behavior for a long period of time. These results suggest that the nanostructure of mPEG-PCL nanoparticles can be used as a promising candidate for sustained release of tamoxifen.