The project focused on the development and testing of a novel dual micellar polymeric system loaded with paclitaxel and ursolic acid (PTX-UA PMs), aimed at the potential treatment of cancer.

 

Stage I: Development and Characterization

In this initial stage, various micelles were created using two different copolymers, encapsulating paclitaxel (PTX), ursolic acid (UA), and their combination. These micelles were then characterized in terms of size, morphology, and the interaction between the drugs and polymers. In vitro tests targeted a mouse breast carcinoma cell line, showing that micelles simultaneously loaded with PTX and UA significantly reduced cancer cell viability, suggesting a possible synergistic effect between the two compounds.

 

Stage II: Pro-Apoptotic and Antitumor Effects

In the second stage, in vitro tests demonstrated the micelles’ ability to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. In vivo studies used a mouse model with inoculated tumors. After administration of PTX-UA micelles, a reduction in tumor growth was observed, indicating the antitumor efficacy of these formulations.

 

Stage III: Protection Against Chemotherapy-Induced Intestinal Mucositis

The final stage evaluated the protective effects of the micelles on intestinal mucositis, a condition induced by chemotherapy. Histopathological analyses showed that PTX-UA treatments protected the intestinal mucosa, enhancing mucus secretion and reducing cellular apoptosis. The results were disseminated at conferences and published in scientific journals.

 

In conclusion, PTX-UA micellar formulations proved promising both in reducing tumor growth and in protecting against chemotherapy side effects such as intestinal mucositis.