Abiraterone infused Cubosomes formulation and its characterization for treatment of Prostate Cancer

Abiraterone (ABT), a BCS class IV androgen-biosynthesis inhibitor, suffers from poor aqueous solubility and limited intestinal permeability, limiting its oral bioavailability and necessitating high daily dosing in prostate cancer therapy. This study reports the development and characterization of ABT-loaded cubosomes intended to enhance solubility, sustain drug release and improve delivery performance for prostate cancer treatment. Cubosomal dispersions were prepared by emulsification–sonication using glyceryl monooleate (GMO) and Poloxamer-407 as lipid and stabilizer, and formulations were optimized via a 3² full-factorial design (Design-Expert software). Selected formulations were characterized by dynamic light scattering (particle size, PDI, zeta potential), FT-IR spectroscopy, indirect entrapment efficiency (%EE) and in-vitro release using a Franz diffusion cell (phosphate buffer pH 7.4, 37 ± 0.2 °C) with UV detection at 260 nm. Optimized batches (notably F and G) exhibited nanometric particle sizes (≈144–174 nm), low–moderate polydispersity (PDI range reported 0.106–0.621), robust surface charge (zeta potential range −79 to +56 mV) and high encapsulation efficiencies (≈89–99%). FT-IR analysis revealed no chemical degradation of ABT and suggested non-covalent drug–excipient interactions consistent with successful encapsulation. Compared with suspension, cubosomal formulations produced a sustained release profile over the 5-hour test period, indicating potential for reduced dosing frequency and improved pharmacokinetic behaviour. Collectively, these findings support ABT-loaded cubosomes as a promising nanocarrier strategy to enhance ABT delivery for prostate cancer; further in-vitro cytotoxicity and in-vivo pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies are warranted.