pH Responsive Release of Doxorubicin to the Cancer Cells by Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

• Published in: Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology Vol. 15; no. 7; p. 4799
• Main Authors: Anbarasan, B, Babu, S Vignesh, Elango, K, Shriya, B, Ramaprabhu, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-07-2015
• Subjects: Antibiotics, Antineoplastic - chemistry; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic - pharmacokinetics; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic - pharmacology; Cell Line, Tumor; Delayed-Action Preparations - chemistry; Delayed-Action Preparations - pharmacokinetics; Delayed-Action Preparations - pharmacology; Doxorubicin - chemistry; Doxorubicin - pharmacokinetics; Doxorubicin - pharmacology; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Nanotubes, Carbon - chemistry; Neoplasms - drug therapy; Tumor Microenvironment - drug effects
• ISSN: 1533-4880
• DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2015.9817

The main aim of the current study is to formulate the Doxorubicin loaded functionalized carbon nanotubes to deliver the drug only to the cancer cells by using pH difference. Multi walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNTs) have been identified as an efficient drug carrier through π-π linkage, because this covalent bond is sensitive to tumor microenvironments. This bond is acid cleavable, thereby providing a strong pH-responsive drug release, which may facilitate effective release near the acidic tumor microenvironment and thus reduces its overall systemic toxicity. Doxorubicin was released at low pH and taken up by tumor cells via adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent endocytosis. By varying the Concentration of MWNTs with the Doxorubicin, it forms a conjugate. It is due to supra molecular interactions between the drug and MWNTs, so it shows high loading, prolonged release and improved cytotoxicity against cancer cells. This study shows the phenomenal pH responsive drug release to the cancerous microenvironment and prolonged release. This study suggests that MWNTs have a great potential as a drug carrier; the efficient formulation strategy requires further study.