Folate-targeted albumin modified silica-gelatin hybrid nanocarrier. Synthesis and release characterization

Abstract A novel hybrid of BSA-folate modified silica-gelatin nanocarrier with surface area of about 422 m²/g was designed in the current study and loaded by fluorouracil with 70 % entrapment efficiency. The nanocarrier was evaluated in terms of pH-sensitive release behavior in simulated acidic condition of cancer tissue (pH=5.), and the normal physiological condition of the body (pH=7.4) for 96 h. In vitro drug release from nanocarriers indicated a partial burst release in the early times (34 and 21 % after 12 h in acidic and neutral media), which was followed by a sustained and gradual release profile until 96 h. In addition, an enhanced drug release was observed at acidic pH (65 % after 96 h) compared to natural medium (42 % after 96 h), confirming the pH-responsive behavior of the developed nanocarrier. The MTT assay showed low toxicity of drug-free carrier against normal HDF fibroblast, and the OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells. These outcomes support the proper function of designed hybrid nanocarrier in targeted drug delivery.