Fabrication, characterization and in vitro evaluation of PCL/PVA nanofibers loaded with docetaxel in breast cancer cells

Breast cancer ranks as the second highest cause of mortality among women, and docetaxel (DTX) is a potent anticancer agent whose therapeutic effects can be optimized using nanofibers (NFs)-based drug delivery systems (DDSs). In this study, DTX-loaded NFs were fabricated using polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) <i>via</i> electrospinning. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed smooth, bead-free morphology with random fiber orientation. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed successful DTX loading. <i>In vitro</i> drug release assays revealed an initial burst release of approximately 72% within the first 24 h, followed by sustained release over 4 days, resulting in a total of 90% drug release over 7 days. Cytotoxicity studies showed DTX-NFs induced a significant reduction in MCF-7 cell viability, with a 60% decrease in cell viability compared to the control group and a 40% increase compared to free DTX at the same concentration after 24 h. DTX-NFs reduced cell migration by 45% and colony formation decreased by 50% compared to the free DTX treatment. In conclusion, DTX-loaded PCL/PVA NFs demonstrated promising anticancer efficacy, sustained drug release and reduced migration and colony formation in MCF-7 cells, making them a potential strategy for postoperative local chemotherapy and prevention of breast cancer recurrence.