Site specific/targeted delivery of gemcitabine through anisamide anchored chitosan/poly ethylene glycol nanoparticles: An improved understanding of lung cancer therapeutic intervention

Gemcitabine (2', 2'-difluorodeoxycytidine) is a deoxycytidine analog with significant antitumor activity against variety of cancers including non-small cell lung cancer. However, rapid metabolism and shorter half-life of drug mandate higher dose and frequent dosing schedule which subsequently results into higher toxicity. Therefore, there is a need to design a vector which can reduce the burden of frequent dosing and higher toxicity associated with the use of gemcitabine. In this study, we investigated the possibility of improving the targeting potential by employing the surface modification on Chitosan/poly(ethylene glycol) (CTS/PEG) Nanoparticles. We demonstrate formulation and characterization of chitosan/poly(ethylene glycol)-anisamide (CTS/PEG-AA) and compared its efficiency with CTS/PEG and free gemcitabine. Our results reveal its sizeable compatibility, comparatively less organ toxicity and higher antitumor activity in vitro as well as in vivo. This wealth of information surfaces the potential of CTS/PEG-AA nanoparticles as a potent carrier for drug delivery. In brief, this novel carrier opens new avenues for drug delivery which better meets the needs of anticancer research. Published by Elsevier B.V.