Biomimetic assemblage of nucleobase 5-fluorouracil into nano-size three-dimensional particles

Abstract

Biomimetic nano-assembly formation offers a convenient and bio friendly approach to fabricate complex structures from simple components with sub-nanometer precision. Recently, extract from cells of microorganism/plant origin have emerged as a simple and viable route for the synthesis of metal and inorganic material nano-particles. In the present study, we have extended biological synthesis of nano-particles to organic molecules, namely the anticancer agent, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) using Aloe vera leaf extract. The formation of 5-FU nano- particles was assessed by UV, FT-IR and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. Transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopic techniques confirmed nano-size of the synthesized particles. Importantly, the nano-assembled 5-FU retained its anticancer action against various cancer cell lines. Finally, the anti-tumor potential of 5-FU nano-particles was established against DMBA induced fibrosarcoma in Balb/c mice.