An in vitro characterization and cytotoxic evaluation of mesoporous delivery of celecoxib on anticancer activity

Celecoxib has opened new avenues for its potential efficacy in the treatment of colorectal cancer. The low solubility of the drug is a major concern for its efficacy. The present research explores the possibility of enhancing the solubility of the drug using a mesoporous delivery system. A commercially available mesoporous silica (Syloid 244FP) was used as a carrier to load celecoxib by the solvent evaporation method. Three different formulations were prepared varying drug/silica ratio. The formulations were evaluated for drug loading, particle size, surface morphology, solid-state characterization, and drug release study. Cytotoxicity study was conducted on cancer cell lines. The formulations were found to be nano-sized, with a high loading of drugs in the porous network of silica. The dissolution efficiency of celecoxib in the formulations was improved remarkably. Formulation with the highest drug/silica ratio was found to be the best in terms of dissolution. The solid-state behaviour studies of the best formulation exhibited compatibility and amorphization of the drug and the same was further proved by surface morphology study. Surface area analysis study further proved the high loading of the drug in the silica. The cytotoxicity study revealed a significant reduction in the number of viable cancer cells following administration of the best formulation in comparison to the pure drug and standard drug doxorubicin. Hence it can be concluded that mesoporous nanoparticles loaded with celecoxib can make a valuable contribution to enhancement of solubility and anticancer activity.