Strategies to Improve the Anticancer Action of 5-Fluorouracil By Using Magnetically Targeted Drug Delivery Systems

ABSTRACT In this study the iron oxide incorporated gelatin nanoparticles (IOIGNPS) were prepared following an emulsion crosslinking method employing genipin as a non-toxic crosslinking agent. The drug loaded nanoparticles were characterised by analytical techniques. Whereas the FTIR spectra confirmed the crosslinking of gelatin by genipin and encapsulation of the drug, the TEM analysis revealed the nanosize (up to 100 nm) of the nanoparticles. The magnetisation study suggested for the superparamagnetic nature of nanoparticles. It was found that the amount of released drug increases with increasing percent loading of 5-FU in the range 21.1% to 44.4%. The release profiles of drug were affected by various experimental factors such as the amount and type of gelatin in the feed mixture, pH of the release media, nature of the release medium, and strength of the applied magnetic field. The swelling results indicated that the extent of swelling regulated the extent of drug release.