PEGylated Active Carbon Nanoparticles with Improved Dispersivity in Water and Potential Application in Lymphatic Targeted Therapy of Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

A series of PEGylated active carbon nanoparticles were fabricated with improved dispersity in water and were explored for their ability for carrying drugs and potential application in lymphatic targeted tracing and chemotherapy of colorectal cancer. The active carbon nanoparticles were oxidized in a mild condition with 30% H2O2 solution and then mPEG-NH2 was grafted to the nanoparticles. Compared with the original carbon nanoparticles, the oxidized and PEGylated nanoparticles all present improved stability and initial solubility in water and the PEGylated nanoparticles perform best. Size of the nanoparticles was well controlled in a rational area which can fulfill the requirement for lymphatic targeting. The PEGylated nanoparticles have excellent drug loading properties and allow for sustained release under physiological conditions. The MTT results show the drug-loaded nanoparticles can effectively kill SW480 cells (Human Colon Cancer Cells). These characteristics make the PEGylated nanoparticles become a promising candidate for using as drug-loaded powder for both lymphatic targeted tracing and chemo-therapy without using suspending agent in tumor treatment.