In vitro study of cytotoxic activity of vinblastine in a free form and associated with nanoparticles.

The cytotoxic activities of unloaded polybutylcyanoacrylate nanoparticles (PBCN), free vinblastine, vinblastine-loaded nanoparticles (by incorporation and adsorption processes) and a mixture of vinblastine-free and unloaded PBCN were compared in vitro on human erythroleukemic K-562 cells. Enhanced cytotoxicity was observed when vinblastine was either adsorbed on PBCN or mixed with them rather than free. When vinblastine was incorporated into polymer matrix of nanoparticles, a lag period and postponed cytotoxic effect on K-562 cells were observed.