Synthesis and characterization of curcumin-loaded pH/reduction dual-responsive folic acid modified carboxymethyl cellulose-based microcapsules for targeted drug delivery

Abstract In the present study, an eco-friendly, biodegradable, biocompatible, non-immunogenic, non-toxic polysaccharide, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), derivatived from renewable biomass cellulose, was used for designing and fabrication a folic acid modified pH and reduction dual-responsive carboxymethyl cellulose-based microcapsules (FA-PRCMCs). The curcumin (CUR)-loaded microcapsules (FA-PRCMCs@CUR) were prepared via a quick, efficient and environment-friendly sonochemical method, and were employed for the targeted delivery and pH/reduction dual-stimuli-responsive release of CUR. The excess CUR and ethyl acetate phases could be recycled and reused after preparation of FA-PRCMCs@CUR to avoid wasting resources and polluting the environment. The obtained FA-PRCMCs showed good biocompatibility and targeting in anti-tumor evaluation and endocytosis evaluation in vitro. FA-PRCMCs could effectively reduce the unnecessary damage to normal cells by chemotherapy drugs, and improve the utilization of chemotherapy drugs to reduce therapy costs. FA-PRCMCs could be used as smart targeted delivery vectors and have great clinical application potential.