In vitro/in vivo study of novel anti-cancer, biodegradable cross-linked tannic acid for fabrication of 5-fluorouracil-targeting drug delivery nano-device based on a molecular imprinted polymer

Abstract

Using biodegradable material in medicinal applications is known as an important factor. On the other hand, the delivery of drugs directly to the target site is a promising field of research especially for anti-cancer drug delivery systems. The present research aimed to evaluate an effective anti-cancer device for treatment of tumors. In this respect, a novel fluorescent multi core–shell structure of magnetic molecular imprinted polymer nanoparticles based on biodegradable materials was designed as a carrier for targeted, sustained and controlled release of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Herein, tannic acid as a biodegradable polyphenol with potential anti-cancer performance was used to fabricate a cross-linker agent. Then, a mini-emulsion polymerization technique was performed in the presence of magnetic fluorescent cores for preparing the carrier. The structure of samples was fully characterized using various kinds of analyses. Afterwards, the performance of the product as an anti-cancer carrier was examined through different in vivo and in vitro analyses including small animal body imaging, the MTT viability assay and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The biodegradable structure of samples was also investigated in various environments similar to the human body. Furthermore, in vitro analyses on Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cells provided evidence for the multiple anti-cancer performances of the carrier. Based on the obtained results, this novel drug carrier with outstanding properties can perform an effective and obvious roll in the cancer-therapy field.