Preparation and characterization of polymeric nanoparticles surface modified with chitosan for target treatment of colorectal cancer

Abstract

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) loaded chitosan (C) coated polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles [NPs] (C-5-FU PLGA NPs) and polycaprolactone [PCL] (C-5-FU PCL NPs) were employed as the carriers for cancer treatment. The prepared NPs showed the spherical shape of NPs with the particle size in the range of 188.1–302.2 nm with polydispersity index (PDI) of <0.30. C-coated NPs converted zeta potential from negative to positive value with small modification in particle size distribution. The entrapment efficiency of 5-FU was recorded in the range of 32–51%. The in vitro release studies showed an initial rapid 5-FU release followed by a sustained release profile. The in vitro cytotoxicity of C-5-FU PLGA NPs showed significant inhibition of colon cancer cells (HT-29) compared to the other NPs and drug solution. These results showed that C-5-FU PLGA NPs can be considered as a promising carrier for cancer therapy.