Design and synthesizing appropriate carrier for release of dexamethasone as an anticancer drug

One of the effective drugs in the treatment of cancer is dexamethasone. Dexamethasone is known as one of the safest glucocorticoid, but there is still side-effects, due to its hydrophobicity and low bioavailability. The purpose of the present study is to design a controlled release carrier for dexamethasone in order to overcome constraints and reduce side effects.

In the current experimental study, electrospun fibers were prepared in three Polylactic acid concentrations of 10% (w/v), 14% (w/v) and 18% (w/v) containing 5% (w/v) dexamethasone and were broken by aminolysis process using 1.6 diaminohexan / isopropanol. The morphology of the fibers and broken fibers was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The amount of drug loaded and cumulative percentage of drug-released from the broken fibers was determined in 144 h.

The result of fiber morphology evaluation showed that fiber diameter of 18% (w/v) compared to 14% (w/v) and in 14% (w/v) compared to 10% (w/v) increased by 13.1% and 17.5% respectively. Length of broken fibers in sample 18% (w/v) compared to 14% (w/v) and in the sample 14% (w/v) compared to 10% (w/v) decreased by 24.07% and 7.8%, respectively. The drug loading efficacy in broken fibers was 85%. The cumulative release of dexamethasone from the broken fibers increased with increasing polymer concentration.

The design of a polylactic acid non-spherical controlled-release release system with a zero-degree release model can be useful for increasing therapeutic efficacy and reducing the side effects of high-dose dexamethasone.