Sustained release of 5-fluorouracil by incorporation into sodium carboxymethylcellulose sub-micron fibers

Abstract

This work introduces a novel route to the sodium carboxymethylcellulose sub-micron fibers loaded with hydrophilic anticancer drug, 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu). The results show that 5-Fu is successfully incorporated into the biocompatible polymer, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC)-based fibers with good stability, desired drug loading content and 100% entrapment efficiency. Furthermore, the drug release rate of the as-prepared drug-loaded fibers could be well controlled. The drug release behavior of the 5-Fu-loaded NaCMC fibers shows a diffusion mechanism, obeying Ritger-Peppas kinetics model. The drug release behavior of the as-prepared products demonstrates their promising application in drug delivery system.