Multi-polysaccharide based stimuli responsive polymeric network for the in vitro release of 5-fluorouracil and levamisole hydrochloride

The present work proposes the synthesis of chitosan (CT), nanocellulose (NC) and sodium alginate (Na-Alg) based polymeric system as a dual drug carrier for 5-fluorouracil (first-line anticancer drug) and levamisole hydrochloride (a biomodulator). The carboxylated NC-CT composite was coated with Na-Alg and further modified with vinyl monomers to impart pH sensitivity. Samples were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, DLS and zeta potential analyses. Swelling was studied as a function of time, temperature and pH. In vitro release kinetic data for dual drugs in simulated gastric and intestinal media were obtained and analysed using the Peppas kinetic equation. Cytotoxicity studies were carried out on normal HEK293 cells and HT29 colon cancer cells. Apoptosis analysis was done using the acridine orange-ethidium bromide double staining method, and ROS analysis was conducted using 2',7'-dichlorofluoresceindiacetate on HT29 cells. Apotosis and ROS analyses confirm the specific and irreparable destruction of colon cancer cells by the prepared dual drug loaded sample.