Colon Targeting of 5-fluorouracil Loaded Dual Cross-linked Multiparticulate System: In vitro and in vivo Characterizations

Objective: The present study aimed to develop sustained released 5-fluorouracil loaded chitosan-pectin blended dual cross-linked gel beads system. Materials and Methods: Dual cross-linked beads were evaluated for drug content, particle size, swelling degree, scanning elecron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, etc., for its suitability for colon targeting. Results: The developed systems were appreciably performed during in vitro drug releases in simulated gastric (simulated gastric fluid) at pH 1.2, intestinal (simulated intestinal fluid) at pH 6.8, and colonic fluids at pH 7.4 (simulated colonic fluid [SCF]) with and without rat cecal content medium for up to 24 h. Batch formulations were shown lesser releases in acidic dissolution medium, whereas augmented releases in alkaline medium at the end of 24 h studies. It was found with significant drug releases (P > 0.05) in SCF containing 2 and 4% w/v rat cecal as compared to control studies. During curve fittings using several models, the R2 value of Higuchi matrix model confirmed for drug release was followed with anomalous non-Fickian transport mechanisms. Those dual cross-linked gel beads confirmed for its improved mechanical core strength, controlled, and sustained release potentials during the experimental. Gamma scintigraphic imaging during in vivo studies confirms for targeting potential of optimized formulations for colon-specific region. It was evident that the ionic gelation based dual cross-linked chitosan-pectin beads with divalents Ca2+ and SO4 -2 ions exhibited better delayed drug release pattern than single cross-linked beads for colon targeting. Conclusion: The prepared dual ionic cross-linked optimized formulations may be potential system for targeting drug to colon for colorectal cancer.