FABRICATION AND EVALUATION OF DOXORUBICIN LOADED CARBON NANOTUBES

Treesa Pearl* and Dr. K. S. G. Arulkumaran

ABSTRACT

The present study is aimed at targeting drug delivery by functionalizing the multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with suitable polymer and also by conjugating the functionalized MWCNT with Folic acid to enhance the uptake of Doxorubicin loaded FA conjugated f-MWCNT. The MWCNT were undergone carboxylation and acylation with oxalyl chloride to improve its hydrophilicity. Further four formulations with varying concentrations of Polyethylene glycol (PEG) (5, 10, 15, 20 mg) were fabricated. Doxorubicin loaded FA conjugated PEGylated MWCNT were characterized for their compatibility, particle size, zeta potential, surface morphology, drug encapsulation, in vitro drug release and cytotoxicity studies. The results showed, the formulation F4 (1:2- DOX: PEG-MWCNT ratio) had the maximum drug release of 82.6% in phosphate buffer saline pH 5.5. In vitro drug release and cytotoxicity studies indicate that the rapid drug release occur at the acidic condition and folic acid conjugation could produce a targeted effect and reduce the toxic effect on the surrounding normal cells.

Keywords: MWCNT, PEGylated MWCNT, functionalization, FA conjugated f-MWCNT.