Antitumor efficacy of Folic Acid conjugated Polymeric Nanoparticles of SN-38 after oral delivery

Abstract

The objective of the present research was to develop folic acid conjugated polymeric nanoparticles (FCsPNP) and to investigate its therapeutic effectiveness in xenograft Colon tumor models after oral delivery. Chitosan coated PLGA nanoparticles (CsPNP) were prepared by polyelectrolyte complexation method and it was further conjugated with Folic acid. Optimized formulation was investigated for particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PdI), % entrapment drug loading and in vitro release. The morphology was observed by SEM and TEM images. Tumor regression studies were conducted on Balb/c mice implanted with Colo-26 cells. FCsPNP were successfully prepared and optimized. In vitro parameters viz. Particle size, Zeta potential, PdI were found to be optimum. The in vitro % release is directly correlated with the nature of polymers and folate conjugation. In vivo tumor regression studies found the formulations to be less toxic than Irinotecan hydrochloride (IHCl). CsPNP and FCsPNP were successfully prepared and evaluated for antitumor efficacy after oral delivery. FCsPNP were more effective in the colon tumor treatment and found to be less toxic than IHCl thus making it a potential drug delivery candidate for future anticancer therapy.

Keywords: Nanoparticles, Xenograft colon tumor, Chitosan, Irinotecan hydrochloride