Dextran/eudragit S-100 based redox sensitive nanoparticles for colorectal cancer therapy

Herein, we present disulfide crosslinked dextran/eudragit S-100 nanoparticles (DEEU NPs) (approximate to 55 nm) for colorectal cancer treatment. These redox environment sensitive DEEU NPs are synthesized by simple oxidation of thiolated polymers in air. This approach allows avoiding the use of any additional chemical crosslinker. These DEEU NPs have high encapsulation efficiency for the doxorubicin (DOX) model drug (approximate to 95%). The prepared DEEU NPs are redox sensitive owing to disulfide units and exhibit approximate to 80% DOX release in the reducing environment of GSH. Additionally, DOX-DEEU NPs display enhanced cytotoxicity for HCT116 cancer cells as compared to free DOX. Annexin V staining results also support the higher anticancer efficiency of DOX-DEEU NPs via induction of apoptosis. In vivo biodistribution results demonstrate that DEEU NPs can remain in the colon region for up to 24 hours. These results indicate that DEEU NPs can act as a promising platform for colorectal cancer treatment.

Automated summary

In this study, disulfide crosslinked dextran/eudragit S-100 nanoparticles (DEEU NPs) were developed for colorectal cancer treatment. These redox environment sensitive DEEU NPs showed high encapsulation efficiency for the doxorubicin (DOX) model drug and exhibited significant release in the reducing environment. The DOX-DEEU NPs demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity for cancer cells and the in vivo biodistribution results indicated their potential as a promising platform for colorectal cancer treatment.