Guar Gum and Ethyl Cellulose Nanoparticles Encapsulating Capecitabine for Targeting of Colorectal Cancer: Formulation and Assessment

Abstract Currently, most nanotechnology-mediated drug delivery systems are targeted towards cancer therapy. The guar gum and ethyl cellulose nanoparticle-based delivery system developed in this study demonstrates the potential of nanotechnology-mediated approaches for the targeted and sustained delivery of capecitabine in managing colorectal cancer. Guar gum and Ethyl cellulose have been selected as polymers to formulate nanoparticles for colon targeting. Different batches of drug-loaded GG-EC nanoparticles were prepared by the emulsion solvent diffusion method. The optimal batch exhibited a particle dimension of 235.6 ± 4.28 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.153 and a zeta potential of -23.4 ± 3.12 millivolts. The in vitro drug release pattern demonstrated that the liberation of capecitabine was sustained for 24 hours. The mechanism of drug release from formulated nanoparticles was followed with Non-Fickian mediated with diffusion-controlled. Animal studies determined the targeting efficiency of the ideal formulation. Results indicated that the concentration of capecitabine was higher than the standard drug. The distinctive characteristics of the polymers employed in the nanoparticle formulation facilitate specific drug discharge in the colon, diminishing systemic contact and amplifying remedial effectiveness.