5-Fluorouracil loaded fibrinogen nanoparticles for cancer drug delivery applications

In this study, 5-flurouracil loaded fibrinogen nanoparticles (5-FU-FNP5) were prepared by two step coacervation method using calcium chloride as cross-linker. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized using DLS, SEM, AFM, FT-IR, TG/DTA and XRD studies. Particle size of 5-FU-FNPs was found to be 150-200 nm. The loading efficiency (LE) and in vitro drug release was studied using UV spectrophotometer. The LE of FNPs was found to be similar to 90%. The cytotoxicity studies showed 5-FU-FNPs were toxic to MCF7, PC3 and KB cells while they are comparatively non toxic to L929 cells. Cellular uptake of Rhodamine 123 conjugated 5-FU-FNP5 was also studied. Cell uptake studies demonstrated that the nanoparticles are inside the cells. These results indicated that FNPs could be useful for cancer drug delivery. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.