Developing a Localized Delivery of Polymer-Based Targeted Nanoparticles Through Paclitaxel-Loaded Transdermal Patches for Breast Cancer Therapy: A Proof-of-Concept

A novel method for administering paclitaxel (PTX) to treat breast cancer was developed using biocompatible, nano-sized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) coated with oleic acid, ebedded into transdermal patches. These nanoparticles were synthesized through a modified co-precipitation method, using chitosan polymer. The resulting transdermal patches contained PTX-coupled chitosan-coated oleic acid-based MNPs (PTX-CS-OA-MNPs) and were formulated using HPMC, EC, and PEG400. The study focused on evaluating the physical and chemical properties of the patches, as well as their impact on breast cancer cell lines and drug diffusion in vitro. The PTX-CS-OA-MNP patches exhibited uniform thickness, flexibility, surface pH stability, and efficient nanoparticle dispersion. Notably, these patches demonstrated enhanced drug permeability, achieving fivefold greater penetration compared to free PTX. Additionally, they showed improved cytotoxicity against triple-negative breast cancer cells. MTT assays, cellular uptake studies, and in vivo pharmacodynamic evaluations confirmed the efficacy and safety of the PTX-CS-OA-MNP patches in anticancer biomedical applications. The nanoformulations magnetic properties, drug loading efficiency, release profile, and particle size distribution were promising for the non-invasive delivery of PTX.