Multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polypyrrole nanocomposite, synthesized through an eco-friendly route, as a prospective drug delivery system

A smart drug delivery system involving the nanocomposite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and polypyrrole (PPy) loaded with the drug, curcumin has been developed through ecofriendly routes. The nanocomposite exhibits pH dependent and sustained drug release over a prolonged period. Functionalization of MWCNTs via lemon fruit extract provides water dispersible MWCNTs, which can be used as the drug carrier with reduced toxicity and enhanced biocompatibility. The inner void spaces of functionalized MWCNTs are used for storing drug which results in enhanced curcumin encapsulation of about 89%. Morphological, structural and chemical characterization of the developed nanocomposite has been carried out using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy techniques. Dynamic light scattering experiment reveals that the size and zeta potential of drug loaded nanocomposite lie within the ideal range of 172–194 nm and 18.4 mV, respectively. Ease of cellular uptake and chemotherapeutic potency of curcumin loaded nanocomposite are confirmed through fluorescence imaging under in vitro conditions. Finally, the safety profile of acid functionalized MWCNTs/PPy nanocomposite is endorsed by the cytocompatibility analysis, carried out using SRB assay. Altogether, the nanocomposite developed in the present work through green chemistry routes, is one step ahead as a versatile carrier to deliver hydrophobic drugs like curcumin, and offers great promise in drug delivery applications.