The purpose of this study was to develop a novel formulation of paclitaxel (PTX) that would improve its therapeutic index. Here, we combined a concept of polymer-PTX drug conjugate with a concept of polymeric micelle drug delivery to form novel free PTX-loaded poly(L-γ-glutamylglutamine) (PGG)-PTX conjugate nanoparticles. The significance of this drug formulation emphasizes the simplicity, novelty, and flexibility of the method of forming nanoparticles that contain free PTX and conjugated PTX in the same drug delivery system. The results of effectively inhibiting tumor growth in mouse models demonstrated the feasibility of the nanoparticle formulation. The versatility and potential of this dual PTX drug delivery system can be explored with different drugs for different indications. Novel and simple formulations of PTX-loaded PGG-PTX nanoparticles could have important implications in translational medicines.
Keywords: nanoconjugate; nanoparticles; paclitaxel; poly(L-γ-glutamylglutamine)-paclitaxel; polymeric micelle.