Cytotoxicity assessment of nanoliposomal Paclitaxel and nanoliposomal Hydroxyurea in MCF-7 cells

Nanotechnology has revolutionized diagnosis and treatment of cancers. Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among women. Paclitaxel and hydroxyurea are important drugs in treatment of breast cancer but their use is limited due to a series of significant side effects. On the other hand, nanoliposomes are widely used as nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. In this study, cytotoxic effects of nanoliposomal hydroxyurea and nanoliposomal Paclitaxel were investigated. Liposomes were prepared using reversed phase evaporation.Cytotoxicity of liposomal formulations of the drugs was determined using Methylthiazolyldiphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. Results showed an IC50 level of 86.25 μl/ml for nanoliposomal Hydroxyureaand and 43.78 μl/ml for nanoliposomal Paclitaxel. In general, it can be concluded that that cytotoxicity of nanoliposomal drugs are higher than that of standard formulations.