Paclitaxel loaded EDC-crosslinked fibroin nanoparticles: a potential approach for colon cancer treatment

Colon cancer is one of the most life-threatening cancers with high incidence and mortality rates. Current first-line treatments are ineffective and possess many unwanted effects. The off-label use of paclitaxel encapsulated in nanoparticles proves an innovative approach. In this study, we reported novel paclitaxel loaded EDC-crosslinked fibroin nanoparticles (PTX-FNPs) for anticancer purpose. The particles were formulated using desolvation method and the physicochemical properties were controlled favorably, including the particle size (300–500 nm), zeta potential (− 15 to + 30 mV), drug entrapment efficiency (75–100%), crystallinity, drug solubility (1- to 10-fold increase), dissolution profiles, stability (> 24 h in intravenous diluent and > 6 months storage at 4 °C). In in vitro study, all formulations showed no toxicity on the red blood cells, whereas retained the paclitaxel cytotoxicity on MCF-7 breast cancer and Caco-2 colon cancer cells. Interestingly, PTX-FNPs can be uptaken rapidly by the Caco-2 cells, consequently increased paclitaxel potency up to 10-fold compared to the free drug. Graphical abstract