Poly(glucono- δ-lactone) based nanocarriers as novel biodegradable drug delivery platforms

In this study, ring-opening polymerization of a carbohydrate-derived lactone, glucono-δ-lactone (GDL), generates a new highly branched polymer (PGDL) that can form stable nanoparticles through a w/o emulsification approach. The biodegradable and biocompatible particles can carry anticancer agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) effectively. The controlled release of 5-FU from the PGDL particles exhibits a non-Fickian mechanism without an initial burst, with an enhanced release exponent at tumoral pH. Cell viability studies by MTT assays indicate that ovarian carcinoma cells (OVCAR-3) and macrophage cells (raw 264.7) treated with PGDL (2.5mg/ml) show no signs of toxicity in 24h cell incubations. The PGDL particles can interact with the OVCAR-3 cell line efficiently. Therefore, the glucono-δ-lactone based particles represent an effective delivery system for cancer therapy. Graphical abstract
Source: International Journal of Pharmaceutics - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research