One-step esterification of nanocellulose in a Bronsted acid ionic liquid for delivery to glioblastoma cancer cells

The Fisher esterification reaction has been exploited for linking a peptide (chlorotoxin) onto the surface of nanocellulose using a Bronsted acid ionic liquid both as a solvent and a catalyst. Indeed, cellulose nanocrystals were functionalized with the peptide thanks to a mild, one-step and organic solvent-free reaction. The obtained nanocellulose showed excellent properties in terms of biocompatibility and internalization in the U87MG glioblastoma cell line, thus demonstrating the possible use of this material as a novel drug delivery carrier.