Solubilized delivery of paliperidone palmitate by d-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate micelles for improved short-term psychotic management

Fabrication, in-silico, in-vitro, and in-vivo characterization of transferrin-targeted micelles containing cisplatin and gadolinium for improved theranostic applications in lung cancer therapy

The targeted delivery of therapeutic and imaging agents is quite challenging in lung cancer therapy. Thus, lung cancer causes high mortality across the world. Herein, we developed TPGS-PF127 micelles containing cisplatin (CDDP) as a model anticancer drug and gadolinium (Gd) as a diagnostic agent by a slightly modified solvent casting method, further, the surface of the micelles was modified using TPGS-transferrin (TPGS-Tf) conjugate to improve targeted delivery of micelles to the lung cancer cells. Prior to this, the binding affinity of Tf over TfR (1E7U) and TfR (1E8W) was investigated with the help of in-silico studies. In-silico results showed good docking scores -7.8 and -7.2 kcal/mol of Tf -ligand towards 1E8W and 1E7U respectively promoting PI3K inhibition. Micelles have shown an average particle size range of 80-200 nm and have shown spherical morphology. The encapsulation efficiency of cisplatin (CDDP) in the CPT, CGPT, and CGPT-Tf micelles ranged from 75.63 % ± 1.58 % to 85.07 % ± 2.65 %. Furthermore, the encapsulation efficiency of gadolinium (Gd) in the CGPT and CGPT-Tf micelles was found to be 67.50 ± 0.32 % and 62.52 ± 0.52 %, respectively. CGPT-Tf micelles exhibited sustained release fashion for CDDP up to 48 h in physiological conditions. In the cytotoxicity study, CGPT-Tf micelles achieved higher cytotoxicity and caused a more antiproliferative effect in A549 cells compared to a commercial CDDP injection (Ciszest 50), after 24 h of treatment. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic studies have proven the pharmacological effectiveness of developed CGPT-Tf micelles by achieving higher Cmax, Tmax, t1/2, and MRT of CDDP in systemic circulation compared to its counterparts and Ciszest 50. In lung theranostic observations, a higher internalization of Gd was noted in CGPT-TF compared to free Gd. The biochemical studies have proved the biocompatibility of developed micelles formulations by showing no sign of toxicity in the lungs. The developed micelles have great potential to be utilized in treating and diagnosing a wide variety of cancers.

Liposomes for Cancer Theranostics

Cancer is one of the most well-studied diseases and there have been significant advancements over the last few decades in understanding its molecular and cellular mechanisms. Although the current treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, gene therapy and immunotherapy) have provided complete cancer remission for many patients, cancer still remains one of the most common causes of death in the world. The main reasons for the poor response rates for different cancers include the lack of drug specificity, drug resistance and toxic side effects (i.e., in healthy tissues). For addressing the limitations of conventional cancer treatments, nanotechnology has shown to be an important field for constructing different nanoparticles for destroying cancer cells. Due to their size (i.e., less than 1 μm), nanoparticles can deliver significant amounts of cancer drugs to tumors and are able to carry moieties (e.g., folate, peptides) for targeting specific types of cancer cells (i.e., through receptor-mediated endocytosis). Liposomes, composed of phospholipids and an interior aqueous core, can be used as specialized delivery vehicles as they can load different types of cancer therapy agents (e.g., drugs, photosensitizers, genetic material). In addition, the ability to load imaging agents (e.g., fluorophores, radioisotopes, MRI contrast media) enable these nanoparticles to be used for monitoring the progress of treatment. This review examines a wide variety of different liposomes for cancer theranostics, with the different available treatments (e.g., photothermal, photodynamic) and imaging modalities discussed for different cancers.

RGD-decorated PLGA nanoparticles improved effectiveness and safety of cisplatin for lung cancer therapy

Upon extensive pharmaceutical and biomedical research to treat lung cancer indicates that lung cancer remains one of the deadliest diseases and the leading cause of death in men and women worldwide. Lung cancer remains untreated and has a high mortality rate due to the limited potential for effective treatment with existing therapies. This highlights the urgent need to develop an effective, precise and sustainable solutions to treat lung cancer. In this study, we developed RGD receptor-targeted PLGA nanoparticles for the controlled and targeted co-delivery of cisplatin (CDDP) and upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) in lung cancer therapy. Pluronic F127-RGD conjugate was synthesized by carbodiimide chemistry method and the conjugation was confirmed by FTIR and ¹HNMR spectroscopy techniques. PLGA nanoparticles were developed by the double emulsification method, then the surface of the prepared nanoparticles was decorated with Pluronic F127-RGD conjugate. The prepared formulations were characterized for their particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, surface morphology, drug encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release and haemolysis studies. Pharmacokinetic studies and safety parameters in BAL fluid were assessed in rats. Histopathology of rat lung tissue was performed. The obtained results of particle sizes of the nanoparticle formulations were found 100-200 nm, indicating the homogeneity of dispersed colloidal nanoparticles formulations. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed the spherical shape of the prepared nanoparticles. The drug encapsulation efficiency of PLGA nanoparticles was found to range from 60% to 80% with different nanoparticles counterparts. RGD receptor-targeted PLGA nanoparticles showed controlled drug release for up to 72 h. Further, RGD receptor-targeted PLGA nanoparticles achieved higher cytotoxicity in compared to CFT, CFT, and Ciszest-50 (marketed CDDP injection). The pharmacokinetic study revealed that RGD receptor-targeted PLGA nanoparticles were 4.6-fold more effective than Ciszest-50. Furthermore, RGD receptor-targeted PLGA nanoparticles exhibited negligible damage to lung tissue, low systemic toxicity, and high biocompatible and safety in lung tissue. The results of RGD receptor-targeted PLGA nanoparticles indicated that it is a promising anticancer system that could further exploited as a potent therapeutic approach for lung cancer.

Unraveling enhanced brain delivery of paliperidone-loaded lipid nanoconstructs: pharmacokinetic, behavioral, biochemical, and histological aspects

Antipsychotics are accompanied by extrapyramidal side effects that deter treatment adherence and patient compliance. Paliperidone (PPD), an atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic recommended for managing schizophrenia presents biopharmaceutical challenges and pharmacological constraints which dissuade it from crossing the brain barrier. The present research aimed to assess paliperidone-loaded lipid nanoconstruct (PPD-LNC) for an improved antipsychotic activity for managing schizophrenia. High % cell viability in Neuro-2a cells (70–98%) exhibited the safety of PPD-LNC. The pharmacokinetic data showed a 3.46-fold improvement in the relative bioavailability in the brain for PPD-LNC compared to a drug suspension. The pharmacodynamic evaluation demonstrated a significant (p < .05) reduction in cataleptic behavior, attenuated escape latency, and prolonged stay in the open arm with PPD-LNC, thus showing its effectiveness in reducing extrapyramidal symptoms. The histopathological images further validated the safety of the formulation. Reduction in NF-κB levels as identified by immunohistochemical analysis exhibited the anti-inflammatory effect of PPD-LNC. The formulation demonstrated significant (p < .01) improvement in the activity of oxidative stress parameters and attenuation of neuroinflammatory markers. Based on the study findings, it was observed that formulating LNC of PPD would surmount the pharmacological constraints, improve the in vivo performance, and diminish the associated side effects.

Applications of innovative technologies to the delivery of antipsychotics

Psychosis is a high-incidence pathology associated with a profound alteration in the perception of reality. The limitations of drugs available on the market have stimulated the search for alternative solutions to achieve effective antipsychotic therapies. In this review, we evaluate innovative formulations of antipsychotic drugs developed through the application of modern pharmaceutical technologies, including classes of micro and nanocarriers, such as lipid formulations, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), solid dispersions, and cyclodextrins (CDs). We also consider alternative routes of administration to the oral and parenteral ones currently used. Improved solubility, stability of preparations, and pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters confirm the potential of these new formulations in the treatment of psychotic disorders.

Enhancement of bioavailability through transdermal drug delivery of paliperidone palmitate-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers

Aim: The work describes enhanced bioavailability of paliperidone palmitate through transdermal delivery using nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC). Materials & methods: NLCs were formulated by nanoprecipitation method followed by incorporation in transdermal patch and physicochemical characterization. Results: NLCs showed high percentage entrapment efficiency of 83.44 ± 0.8%, drug loading of 24.75 ± 1.10% (w/w), particle size of 173.8 ± 3.25 nm, polydispersity index of 0.143 ± 0.05 and zeta potential of -15.9 ± 0.75 mV. In vitro and ex vivo studies indicated zero-order controlled drug release from NLCs and transdermal patch up to 48 h. Pharmacokinetic studies indicated 1.76-fold enhanced bioavailability by transdermal route as compared with oral drug delivery. Conclusion: From the results, it was concluded that drug-loaded NLCs-transdermal patch is promising drug delivery system for poorly bioavailable drugs.

D-α-Tocopherol-Based Micelles for Successful Encapsulation of Retinoic Acid

All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) represents the first-choice treatment for several skin diseases, including epithelial skin cancer and acne. However, ATRA's cutaneous side effects, like redness and peeling, and its high instability limit its efficacy. To address these drawbacks and to improve ATRA solubilization, we prepared ATRA-loaded micelles (ATRA-TPGSs), by its encapsulation in D-α-tocopheryl-polyethylene-glycol-succinate (TPGS). First, to explore the feasibility of the project, a solubility study based on the equilibrium method was performed; then, six ATRA-TPGS formulations were prepared by the solvent-casting method using different TPGS amounts. ATRA-TPGSs showed small sizes (11-20 nm), low polydispersity, slightly negative zeta potential, and proved good encapsulation efficiency, confirmed by a chemometric-assisted Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) investigation. ATRA-TPGS stability was also investigated to choose the most stable formulation. Using Carbopol^® 980 as gelling agent, ATRA-TPGS-loaded gels were obtained and analyzed for their rheological profiles. Ex vivo release studies from ATRA-TPGSs were performed by Franz cells, demonstrating a permeation after 24 h of 22 ± 4 µ cm^-2. ATRA-TPGSs showed enhanced cytotoxic effects on melanoma cells, suggesting that these formulations may represent a valid alternative to improve patient compliance and to achieve more efficacious therapeutic outcomes.

Nano Carrier Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Advantages and Limitations

Neuropsychiatric diseases are one of the main causes of disability, affecting millions of people. Various drugs are used for its treatment, although no effective therapy has been found yet. The blood brain barrier (BBB) significantly complicates drugs delivery to the target cells in the brain tissues. One of the problem-solving methods is the usage of nanocontainer systems. In this review we summarized the data about nanoparticles drug delivery systems and their application for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Firstly, we described and characterized types of nanocarriers: inorganic nanoparticles, polymeric and lipid nanocarriers, their advantages and disadvantages. We discussed ways to interact with nerve tissue and methods of BBB penetration. We provided a summary of nanotechnology-based pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorder and Alzheimer's disease, where development of nanocontainer drugs derives the most active. We described various experimental drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease that include vector nanocontainers targeted on β-amyloid or tau-protein. Integrally, nanoparticles can substantially improve the drug delivery as its implication can increase BBB permeability, the pharmacodynamics and bioavailability of applied drugs. Thus, nanotechnology is anticipated to overcome the limitations of existing pharmacotherapy of psychiatric disorders and to effectively combine various treatment modalities in that direction.

Boosting the Brain Delivery of Atazanavir through Nanostructured Lipid Carrier-Based Approach for Mitigating NeuroAIDS

Atazanavir (ATZ) presents poor brain availability when administered orally, which poses a major hurdle in its use as an effective therapy for the management of NeuroAIDS. The utilization of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) in conjunction with the premeditated use of excipients can be a potential approach for overcoming the limited ATZ brain delivery. Methods: ATZ-loaded NLC was formulated using the quality by design-enabled approach and further optimized by employing the Box–Behnken design. The optimized nanoformulation was then characterized for several in vitro and in vivo assessments. Results: The optimized NLC showed small particle size of 227.6 ± 5.4 nm, high entrapment efficiency (71.09% ± 5.84%) and high drug loading capacity (8.12% ± 2.7%). The release pattern was observed to be biphasic exhibiting fast release (60%) during the initial 2 h, then trailed by the sustained release. ATZ-NLC demonstrated a 2.36-fold increase in the cumulative drug permeated across the rat intestine as compared to suspension. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed 2.75-folds greater C_max in the brain and 4-fold improvement in brain bioavailability signifying the superiority of NLC formulation over drug suspension. Conclusion: Thus, NLC could be a promising avenue for encapsulating hydrophobic drugs and delivering it to their target site. The results suggested that increase in bioavailability and brain-targeted delivery by NLC, in all plausibility, help in improving the therapeutic prospects of atazanavir.

Tailoring lipid nanoconstructs for the oral delivery of paliperidone: Formulation, optimization and in vitro evaluation

PURPOSE

The present research work involves Quality by Design (QbD)-based fabrication of lipid nanoconstructs (LNC) of paliperidone (PPD) bearing superior biopharmaceutical attributes.

METHODS

LNC of paliperidone was prepared by melt emulsification-probe sonication and high-pressure homogenization method followed by optimization using QbD approach. Preparing LNC by both these methods will give the benefit of identifying the best optimized formulation which will be further evaluated for in vitro studies.

RESULTS

The best optimized formulation was obtained using melt emulsification-probe sonication technique with small particle size (86.35 nm), high entrapment efficiency (90.07 %), and high loading capacity (8.49 %). The drug release from LNC was found to be 5, 8, and 9-folds greater than drug suspension in pH 1.2, 6.8, and 7.4 respectively (p < 0.001). Stability studies of LNC in simulated gastric fluid pH 1.2 and fasted state simulated intestinal fluid depicted no alteration in particle size and polydispersity index of LNC but were found to increase in fed state simulated intestinal fluid. The drug permeability through rat intestine for LNC was found to be approximately 6-folds (p < 0.05) greater as compared to the drug suspension which was further confirmed by confocal microscopy. The in vitro lipolysis study presented significantly highest solubilization (p < 0.001) in the aqueous phase thereby anticipating higher in vivo absorption.

CONCLUSION

Thus, it was concluded that LNC bears the knack of improving the solubilization and permeation potential of an otherwise hydrophobic drug, paliperidone."

Gold liposomes for brain-targeted drug delivery: Formulation and brain distribution kinetics

This work was aimed to formulate transferrin (Tf) receptor targeted gold based theranostic liposomes which contain both docetaxel (DCX) and glutathione reduced gold nanoparticles (AuGSH) for brain-targeted drug delivery and imaging. AuGSH was prepared by reducing chloroauric acid salt using glutathione. The co-loading of DCX and AuGSH into liposomes was achieved by the solvent injection technique, and Tf was post-conjugated on the surface of the liposomes using carboxylated Vit-E TPGS (TPGS-COOH) as a linker. The liposomes were characterized for various parameters such as size, shape, surface charge, and drug release. The Tf receptor targeted gold liposomes were evaluated for the cytotoxicity by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) based colorimetric assay and in-vitro qualitative cellular uptake studies using confocal microscopy. The in-vivo site specific delivery of DCX was analyzed by the brain distribution study of DCX in comparison with marketed formulation (Docel™). A sustained drug release of about 70% was observed from liposomes in the span of 72 h. The in-vivo results demonstrated that targeted gold liposomes were able to deliver DCX into the brain by 3.70, 2.74 and 4.08-folds higher than Docel™ after 30, 120 and 240 min of the treatment, respectively. Besides, the results of these studies have suggested the feasibility of Tf decorated AuGSH and DCX co-loaded liposomes as a promising platform for targeted nano-theranostics.

Nose-to-brain delivery of antipsychotics using nanotechnology: a review

INTRODUCTION

Orally-administered antipsychotics are effective in the management of psychosis-related disorders although generation-specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs) significantly hinder clinical outcomes, driven by issues such as patient non-compliance. Direct nose-to-brain (N2B) delivery of antipsychotics via the olfactory epithelium could avert peripheral ADRs by maximizing cerebral drug concentrations, and reducing drug levels in the periphery. However, there exist physicochemical challenges related to psychotropic drugs, alongside biochemical barriers associated with targeting the olfactory region. Nanotechnological approaches present a viable strategy for the development of intranasal antipsychotic formulations where drug stability, mucosal absorption and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-bioavailability can be optimized.

AREAS COVERED

This review explores the unique anatomical features of the nasal cavity as a pathway for antipsychotic drug delivery to the brain. Nanocarrier-based approaches to encapsulate antipsychotics, and enhance stability, absorption and bioavailability are explored. The aim of this review is to determine current knowledge gaps for direct N2B psychotropic drug delivery, and identify clinically acceptable strategies to overcome them.

EXPERT OPINION

The olfactory epithelium may be the most effective and direct administration route for antipsychotic delivery to the central nervous system (CNS). This research is novel and has the potential to revolutionize the mode of delivery of neurological medicines to the CNS in the future.

Neuropsychological Disorders and their Nanocarriers

Neuropsychological disorders are now growing rapidly worldwide among the people of diverse backgrounds irrespective of age, gender, and geographical region. Such disorders not only disturb the normal life and functionality of an individual but also impact the social relationships of the patient and the people associated with them, and if not treated in time, it may also result in mortality in severe conditions. Various antipsychotic drugs have been developed but their use is often limited by issues related to effective drug delivery at the site of action i.e. brain, mainly because of the blood-brain barrier. To resolve these issues, researchers and scientists have been working to develop a more effective drug delivery system where drugs can cross the blood-brain barrier and reach the brain in more effective concentrations. Drugs have been modified and formulated into nano-carriers and experimental studies for efficient and targeted delivery of drugs have been conducted. This review focuses on certain common neuropsychological diseases and their nanocarriers developed for drug delivery in the brain and are discussed with a brief description of various experimental in vitro and in vivo studies. This review also focuses on the intranasal route for the delivery of antipsychotic drugs and constraints faced due to the blood-brain barrier by the drugs.

A window into the brain: Tools to assess pre-clinical efficacy of biomaterials-based therapies on central nervous system disorders

Therapeutic conveyance into the brain is a cardinal requirement for treatment of diverse central nervous system (CNS) disorders and associated pathophysiology. Effectual shielding of the brain by the blood-brain barrier (BBB) sieves out major proportion of therapeutics with the exception of small lipophilic molecules. Various nano-delivery systems (NDS) provide an effective solution around this obstacle owing to their small size and targeting properties. To date, these systems have been used for several pre-clinical disease models including glioma, neurodegenerative diseases and psychotic disorders. An efficacy screen for these systems involves a test battery designed to probe into the multiple facets of therapeutic delivery. Despite their wide application in redressing various disease targets, the efficacy evaluation strategies for all can be broadly grouped into four modalities, namely: histological, bio-imaging, molecular and behavioural. This review presents a comprehensive insight into all of these modalities along with their strengths and weaknesses as well as perspectives on an ideal design for a panel of tests to screen brain nano-delivery systems.

Self-assembled dehydropeptide nano carriers for delivery of ornidazole and curcumin

In the recent studies, it has been demonstrated that incorporation of unnatural amino acid, α,β-dehydrophenylalanine, in small peptides results in stable self-assembled nanostructures with different sizes and shapes. Here, we have replaced the natural amino acid, phenylalanine, from our earlier reported work on self-assembled peptide, Boc-Pro-Phe-Gly-OMe, with a constrained dehydro amino acid, α,β-dehydrophenylalanine, to study its influence on self-assembled nanostructures. Dehydrotripeptide, Boc-Pro-ΔPhe-Gly-OMe, self-assembled into nanostructures in aqueous solutions and formed hydrophobic matrix with improved encapsulation efficiency of hydrophobic molecules. The hydrodynamic size of peptide nanostructures from DLS study was found to be ∼257nm. The morphology and size of the loaded nanoparticles were also determined by TEM. To improve aqueous dispersibility the projected nanostructures for efficient use in drug delivery, self-assembled dehydropeptide nano carriers were further stabilized with Vitamin-E-TPGS. The final complex drug nanoparticles provided controlled drug release. These findings demonstrated that incorporation of constrained dehydro amino acids in peptides have the potential to construct stable nanostructures for development of nano materials with controlled drug release.

Bioadhesive micelles of d-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate 1000: Synergism of chitosan and transferrin in targeted drug delivery

The aim of this work was to prepare targeted bioadhesive d-α- tocopheryl glycol succinate 1000 (TPGS) micelles containing docetaxel (DTX) for brain targeted cancer therapy. Considering the unique bioadhesive feature of chitosan, herein, we have developed a synergistic transferrin receptor targeted bioadhesive micelles using TPGS conjugated chitosan (TPGS-chitosan), which target the overexpressed transferrin receptors of glioma cells for brain cancer therapy. The micelles were prepared by the solvent casting method and characterized for their particle size, polydispersity, zeta-potential, surface morphology, drug encapsulation efficiency, and in-vitro release. The IC₅₀ values demonstrated transferrin receptor targeted TPGS-chitosan micelles could be 248 folds more effective than Docel™ after 24h treatment with the C6 glioma cells. Further, time dependent bioadhesive cellular uptake study indicated that a synergistic effect was achieved with the chitosan and transferrin in targeted TPGS-chitosan micelles through the biodhesive property of chitosan as well as transferrin receptor mediated endocytosis. The in-vivo pharmacokinetic results demonstrated that relative bioavailability of non-targeted and targeted micelles were 2.89 and 4.08 times more effective than Docel™ after 48h of treatments, respectively.

Transferrin liposomes of docetaxel for brain-targeted cancer applications: formulation and brain theranostics

Diagnosis and therapy of brain cancer was often limited due to low permeability of delivery materials across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and their poor penetration into the brain tissue. This study explored the possibility of utilizing theranostic d-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate mono-ester (TPGS) liposomes as nanocarriers for minimally invasive brain-targeted imaging and therapy (brain theranostics). The aim of this work was to formulate transferrin conjugated TPGS coated theranostic liposomes, which contain both docetaxel and quantum dots (QDs) for imaging and therapy of brain cancer. The theranostic liposomes with and without transferrin decoration were prepared and characterized for their particle size, polydispersity, morphology, drug encapsulation efficiency, in-vitro release study and brain theranostics. The particle sizes of the non-targeted and targeted theranostic liposomes were found below 200 nm. Nearly, 71% of drug encapsulation efficiency was achieved with liposomes. The drug release from transferrin conjugated theranostic liposomes was sustained for more than 72 h with 70% of drug release. The in-vivo results indicated that transferrin receptor-targeted theranostic liposomes could be a promising carrier for brain theranostics due to nano-sized delivery and its permeability which provided an improved and prolonged brain targeting of docetaxel and QDs in comparison to the non-targeted preparations.

Transferrin receptor-targeted vitamin E TPGS micelles for brain cancer therapy: preparation, characterization and brain distribution in rats

The effective treatment of brain cancer is hindered by the poor transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the low penetration across the blood-tumor barrier (BTB). The objective of this work was to formulate transferrin-conjugated docetaxel (DTX)-loaded d-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (vitamin E TPGS or TPGS) micelles for targeted brain cancer therapy. The micelles with and without transferrin conjugation were prepared by the solvent casting method and characterized for their particle size, polydispersity, drug encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, in vitro release study and brain distribution study. Particle sizes of prepared micelles were determined at 25 °C by dynamic light scattering technique. The external surface morphology was determined by transmission electron microscopy analysis and atomic force microscopy. The encapsulation efficiency was determined by spectrophotometery. In vitro release studies of micelles and control formulations were carried out by dialysis bag diffusion method. The particle sizes of the non-targeted and targeted micelles were <20 nm. About 85% of drug encapsulation efficiency was achieved with micelles. The drug release from transferrin-conjugated micelles was sustained for >24 h with 50% of drug release. The in vivo results indicated that transferrin-targeted TPGS micelles could be a promising carrier for brain targeting due to nano-sized drug delivery, solubility enhancement and permeability which provided an improved and prolonged brain targeting of DTX in comparison to the non-targeted micelles and marketed formulation.