A novel surface-coated nanocarrier for efficient encapsulation and delivery of camptothecin to cells

Abstract

In the present study, we developed a novel surface-coated nanocarrier (SCN) for efficient and stable encapsulation of a poorly water-soluble anticancer agent, camptothecin (CPT). Using emulsification and freeze-drying processes in the presence of a hydrophilic surfactant, Pluronic F-68 or F-127, CPT–Pluronic complexes with crystalline features were synthesised. Investigation of the in vitro anticancer activities and cellular internalisation of the complexes revealed that the SCN efficiently delivered CPT to cells while maintaining anticancer activity.