EGDMA- and TRIM-Based Microparticles Imprinted with 5-Fluorouracil for Prolonged Drug Delivery

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Molecular imprinting enables the creation of materials with selective binding sites.
• Controlling drug release and reducing side effects are key challenges in cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-imprinted microparticles for enhanced drug delivery.
• To evaluate the adsorption, release kinetics, and cytotoxicity of these imprinted materials.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of imprinted microparticles using EGDMA or TRIM cross-linkers and methacrylic acid.
• Investigation of 5-FU adsorption isotherms and kinetics.
• Evaluation of drug release profiles at different pH values.
• Assessment of cytotoxic activity against HeLa and HDF cell lines.

Main Results:

• TRIM-based microparticles exhibited higher 5-FU adsorption capacity compared to EGDMA-based ones.
• Drug release was dependent on the cross-linker type and pH, with optimal release at pH 7.4 for TRIM particles.
• 5-FU-loaded TRIM microparticles showed comparable cytotoxicity to free 5-FU against cancer cells but reduced toxicity to normal cells.

Conclusions:

• 5-FU-imprinted microparticles, particularly those using TRIM, are promising for controlled drug delivery.
• These materials offer potential for targeted cancer therapy with improved safety profiles.