An in Vitro Study on Anticancer Efficacy of Capecitabine- and Vorinostat-incorporated Self-nanoemulsions.

Background: Cancer has emerged as a critical global health concern due to its widespread prevalence and impact on individuals, families, communities, and healthcare systems worldwide.

Objective: We investigated the anticancer effectiveness of capecitabine (CAP) and vorinostat (VOR) when incorporated into self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDSs).

Material And Methods: In this experimental study, the SNEDDSs were formulated using polyethylene glycol 600 (PEG 600), castor oil and Tween 80. A ternary phase diagram was plotted for the SNEDDSs components and the single-phase formation region was attained. SNEDDSs were then prepared by dilution of the selected ratios of these components in water. Blank SNEDDSs containing ratios (in weight) of castor oil:Tween 80:PEG 600 of 50:30:20 (S1-SNEDDS) and 25:15:60 (S2-SNEDDS) were selected. S1-SNEDDS was loaded with CAP (S1-SNEDDS-CAP), and S2-SNEDDS was loaded with VOR (S2-SNEDDS-VOR).

Results: The developed SNEDDSs formed oil nanodroplets without phase separation. Using dynamic laser light scattering, S1-SNEDDS, S2-SNEDDS, S1-SNEDDS-CAP and S2-SNEDDS-VOR had droplets with average sizes of 171±37, 82±18, 117±26 and 37±8 nm, respectively, accompanied by span values of 0.96, 0.95, 0.97 and 0.96, respectively. CAP and VOR were effectively loaded into the SNEDDSs with high entrapment efficiencies and loading capacities. Considerable improvements in cells viability for CAP and VOR were attained upon loading into SNEDDSs. TUNEL assays of the cells upon treatment by S1-SNEDDS-CAP and S2-SNEDDS-VOR revealed a significant apoptosis in all the cells.

Conclusion: The study provides valuable insights into the potential of utilizing SNEDDSs as a novel delivery system for improving the anticancer properties of CAP and VOR.