Pluronic Micelle Combination System for Local and Sustained Docetaxel Delivery

To develop low-molecular-weight methylcellulose (LMw MC)-based gel/Pluronic F127 micelle combination system for local and sustained delivery of docetaxel (DTX).LMw MC and Pluronic F127 were used to formulate an injectable thermo-reversible gel/micelle combination system containing DTX. The DTX-loaded combination system was characterized and its therapeutic efficacy evaluated in a subcutaneous tumor model.Mixtures of LMw MC, AS, and Pluronic F127 formed gel at similar to 15-40A degrees C depending on AS concentration. The combination system released DTX for > 30 days with a biphasic and sustained release pattern, and DTX stability was maintained during release. The combination system significantly enhanced anti-cancer effects of DTX and prolonged survival of the model mouse in comparison with free DTX.The LMw MC gel/Pluronic F127 micelle combination system constitutes a promising tool for reducing tumor size and eradicating remaining tumor cells before and after surgery.This research was partially supported by grants from the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation (20110017022), WCU (World Class University) program through the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (R332010000100360), Yang Young Foundation and Seoul R&BD program (ST100071M093211)