An eggshell-derived CaCO3 porous carbon-based nanocomposite for cancer therapy

Abstract

Cancer therapy faces challenges including poor targeting, systemic toxicity, and inefficient drug release. To address these, we developed an eco-friendly drug delivery system using eggshell-derived calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). Porous C-PEG@ES nanoparticles were fabricated via PEG-assisted carbonization at 600 °C, exhibiting high specific surface area and pH-responsive drug release. In an acidic tumor microenvironment (pH 5.5), CaCO₃ decomposition enhanced oxaliplatin release, showing 2.3-fold higher efficiency than at pH 7.4. The system also raised environmental pH from 5.2 to 6.2 within 15 hours, modulating the tumor microenvironment and promoting apoptosis. Cytotoxicity tests confirmed its biocompatibility and antitumor efficacy, offering a sustainable and precise therapeutic strategy with reduced systemic toxicity.