Preparation and Characterization of a Submicron Lipid Emulsion of Docetaxel: Submicron Lipid Emulsion of Docetaxel

Docetaxel, a widely used anticancer agent, has sparingly low aqueous solubility, thus Tween 80 and ethanol need to be added into its formulation, probably resulting in the toxic effects. In this study, we aimed to utilize submicron lipid emulsions as a carrier of docetaxel to avoid these potential toxic vehicles. Preformulation study was performed for rational emulsions formulation design, including drug solubility, distribution between oil and water, and degradation kinetics. Supersaturated submicron lipid emulsion of docetaxel was prepared by temperature elevation method. Soya oil and Miglyol 812 can incorporate docetaxel up to 1.0% (drug to lipid ratio) and were used as the oil phase of emulsions. The optimal formulation of docetaxel is composed of 10% oil phase, 1.2% soybean lecithin, 0.3% Pluoronic F68, and 0.4 or 0.8 mg/mL docetaxel, with particle size in the nanometer range, entrapment efficiency more than 90%, and is physicochemically stable at 4 and 25°C for 6 months. Animal studies showed that docetaxel emulsion has significantly higher area under the curve (AUC) and C_max in rats compared to its micellar solution. The results suggested that the submicron lipid emulsion is a promising intravenous carrier for docetaxel in place of its present commercially available docetaxel micellar solution with potential toxic effects.