Anticancer Drug-Loaded Folate-Conjugated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

The proposed study was to assess the in vitro development of folate-conjugated anthracycline antibiotic-loaded multiwalled nanotubes. These prepared systems have the advantage of direct penetration to the cancer cells and have a targeting ability. Doxorubicin was selected as a drug due to its high loading capacity in nanotubes and a BCS class III drug. Nanotubes were purified and functionalized with folic acid using N-Hydroxysuccinimide and 1-ethyl-3-(-3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride chemistry. After purification and functionalization, various evaluation parameters were performed like zeta potential, dispersion characteristics, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and transmission electron microscope analysis. The drug was loaded after folic acid conjugation, and then characterized with parameters like drug loading efficiency and in vitro drug release. As the degree of functionalization increases like first was purified multiwalled carbon nanotubes, then carboxylated and then folate-conjugated carbon nanotubes, entrapment also increases however due to its high dispersity with high steric hindrance and sustained release. Prepared folate-conjugated multiwalled nanotubes have great potential as a novel drug delivery system and tremendous beneficial properties. This anticancer targeted on the body which reduces the side effects and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy.