A controlled release system of titanocene dichloride by electrospun fiber and its antitumor activity in vitro

In order to improve both safety and efficacy of cancer chemotherapy of titanocene dichloride and overcome the shortcomings such as instability and short half-life in the human body, we report a controlled release system of titanocene dichloride by electrospun fiber and its in vitro antitumor activity against human lung tumor spca-1 cells. The system was developed by electrospinning. The release profiles of titanocene dichloride in PBS were researched by UV–Vis spectrophotometer. In vitro antitumor activities of the fibers were examined by MTT method. Titanocene dichloride was well incorporated in biodegradable poly(l-lactic acid) fibers. XRD results suggest that titanocene dichloride exists in the amorphous form in the fibers. The controlled release of titanocene dichloride can be gained for long time. MTT showed actual titanocene dichloride content 40, 80, 160 and 240 mg/L from the fibers mat, cell growth inhibition rates of 11.2%, 22.1%, 44.2% and 68.2% were achieved, respectively. The titanocene dichloride released has obvious inhibition effect against lung tumor cells. The system has an effect of controlled release of titanocene dichloride and may be used as an implantable anticancer drug in clinical applications in the future.

Graphical abstractA method to control the release of an organometallic anticancer drug to improve both safety and efficacy of cancer chemotherapy and to overcome the shortcomings.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide