Co-delivery of camptothecin and curcumin by cationic polymeric nanoparticles for synergistic colon cancer combination chemotherapy.

ABSTRACT: Nanoparticle (NP)-based combination chemotherapy has been proposed as a potent strategy for enhancing intracellular drug concentrations and achieving synergistic effects in colon cancer therapy. Here, we fabricated a series of chitosan-functionalized camptothecin (CPT)/curcumin (CUR)-loaded polymeric NPs with various weight ratios of CPT to CUR. The resultant cationic spherical CPT/CUR-NPs had a desirable particle size (193-224 nm), relatively narrow size distribution, and slightly positive zeta-potential. These NPs exhibited a simultaneous sustained release profile for both drugs throughout the study period with a slight, initial burst release. Subsequent cellular uptake experiments demonstrated that the introduction of chitosan to the NP surface markedly increased cellular-uptake efficie

SUBMITTER: Xiao B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4662402 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature