Decreasing Particle Size of Paclitaxel Using Polymer in Fractional Precipitation Process

In this study, we have for the first time applied fractional precipitation with hydrophilic polymer in order to decrease the particle size of the anticancer agent paclitaxel from plant cell cultures. When compared with the case where no hydrophilic polymer was employed, the addition of hydrophilic polymer in fractional precipitation resulted in a decrease in the size of the paclitaxel precipitate. Among the polymers used, HPMC 2910 was the most effective for inhibition of precipitate growth. A polymer concentration of 0.2% (w/v) obtained the smallest particle size. The particle size was reduced by -35% compared to control. In addition, the precipitate size was inversely correlated with the absolute value of the zeta potential