Anti-tumor activity and safety evaluation of fisetin-loaded methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) nanoparticles.

Fisetin (3,3',4',7-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a potential anti-tumor agent but poor water solubility hinders its application and complicates direct parenteral administration. Nanoparticle encapsulation is an efficient way to enhance the solubility of some hydrophobic drugs. In this study, methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-polycaprolactone (MPEG-PCL) nanoparticles were successfully prepared for fisetin delivery in vitro and in vivo. Narrow distribution fisetin-loaded MPEG-PCL NPs (similar to 100 nm) were obtained via emulsification (O/W) and displayed a sustained release behavior in vitro. Moreover, hemolysis and cell cytotoxicity testing showed that MPEG-PCL is biocompatible and safe for intravenous injection. Most importantly, NPs encapsulation enhanced the anti-cancer activity of fisetin as shown in a subcutaneous LL/2 tumor model, and reduced the hepatotoxicity of fisetin. Therefore, our data demonstrate that fisetin-loaded MPEG-PCL NPs have potential application in cancer chemotherapy.