Development of 2D and 3D Mucus Models and Their Interactions with Mucus-Penetrating Paclitaxel-Loaded Lipid Nanocapsules

Purpose To study, diffusion through mucus (3D model) of different formulations of paclitaxel loaded lipid nanocapsules (Ptx-LNCs), to interpret the results in the light of LNC behavior at air-mucus interface (2D model). Methods LNC surface properties were modified with chitosan or poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) coatings of different size (PEG 2,000 to 5,000 Da) and surface charges. LNC diffusion through 446 μm pig intestinal mucus layer was studied using Transwell ® . LNCs were spread at the air-water-mucus interface then interfacial pressure and area changes were monitored and the efficiency of triglyceride (TG) inclusion was determined. Results Ptx-LNCs of surface charges ranging from −35.7 to +25.3 mV were obtained with sizes between 56.2 and 75.1 nm. The diffusion of paclitaxel in mucus was improved after encapsulation in neutral or positively charged particles ( p