Hyaluronidase Enzyme-responsive Targeted Nanoparticles for Effective Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil in Colon Cancer

Purpose In this study, we have successfully prepared the hyaluronic acid (HA)-conjugated mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to increase the anticancer efficacy in colon cancers. Methods The particles were nanosized and perfectly spherical. In vitro release kinetics clearly showed the enzyme-sensitive release of 5-FU from HA-conjugated 5-FU loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HA/FMSN). Results The presence of HA on the surface of nanoparticles targeted the CD44 receptors overexpressed in the colon cancer cells In vitro cell viability and apoptosis assay clearly showed the superior anticancer effect of HA/FMSN in HT29 colon cancer cells. HA/FMSN exhibited a remarkably higher 43% of cells in early apoptosis phase and 55% of cells in late apoptosis phase indicating the superior anticancer effect of HA/FMSN. HA/FMSN exhibited a significant reduction in the tumor burden compared to that of any group. HA/FMSN was 3-fold more effective than free drug and 2-fold more effective than -FU loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (FMSN). Conclusions Overall, results suggest that the novel delivery strategy could hold enormous potential in colon cancer targeting.