Introduction: Currently the treatment of lung cancer lacks non-invasively targetable and controlled release topical inhalation therapy. Passive targeting using iron-oxide nanoparticles and magnetic field and their ability to induce localised hyperthermia under oscillating magnetic field could potentially enable both goals in one system. This study developed temperature sensitive lipid-based drug carriers containing superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) that are: inhalable, targetable and temperature-sensitive. This system exploits combined effects of pharmaceutics and hyperthermia to enhance synergistically efficacy of the cancer therapy. Materials and Methods: Fatty acids (lauric, palmitic and stearic as well as their mixtures) with melting temperature of 40 - 45oC (hyperthermia conditions) were chosen. Paclitaxel (PAX) and SPIONs were dissolved/dispersed in a melted lipid phase at different SPION/lipid ratios and solid lipid particles were produced using oil in water emulsification. The particle size, thermal properties, chemical composition were assessed using Raman spectroscopy, SEM.EDX, AFM, DSC and drug release tests. Results and Discussion: Developed particles were spherical shape, with an average diameter of 2-6 μm. Thermal and chemical analyses confirmed the presence of PAX and SPIONs inside the lipid matrix. Thermal properties of lipid microparticles, thus their ability to release the drug at specific temperature, were tuned by the formation of eutectic composition obtained by mixing different types of fatty acids. The lipid formulations were shown to have slow release profile at body temperature, but fast release at hyperthermic conditions (45°C), suggesting a potentially powerful controlled release therapy of lung cancer. Conclusion: (ⅰ) PAX and SPIONs loaded lipid microparticles of desired size and physical-chemical characteristics were fabricated using oil in water emulsification technique; (ⅱ) the lipid system was thermo-sensitive, allowing controlled release of PAX; (ⅲ) the system holds a promise as an effective drug vehicle in targeted and controlled inhalation therapy.
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