A Novel Carrier Based on DNA and Exosome to Sustained Release of 5‐Fluorouracil Anticancer Drug

Abstract

AbstractThe development of effective drug delivery systems is crucial for improving cancer treatment outcomes. A promising carrier using a combination of DNA and exosomes (EXO) was synthesized to sustain the release of the powerful anticancer drug 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). The carrier was prepared by encapsulating 5‐FU‐loaded exosomes (5‐FU.EXO) in the heated DNA carriers (5‐FU.EXO@DNA). Alteration of the DNA structure was studied using molecular dynamics. The physicochemical properties of the carriers were characterized using fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The 5‐FU.EXO@DNA carrier exhibited good stability and biocompatibility, with a uniform size distribution (709±269 nm) and a zeta potential of +312 mV. The interaction between 5‐FU and DNA was confirmed using molecular docking. In vitro release studies showed that both 5‐FU@DNA and 5‐FU.EXO@DNA carriers achieved sustained release of 5‐FU for 576 h, with cumulative releases of approximately 83 % and 89 %, respectively. The 5‐FU release profile showed 40 % release over 86 h. The release rate and other kinetic parameters were also determined. Furthermore, the release kinetics followed by the Korsmeyer‐Peppas model and the diffusion mechanism plays a significant role in controlling the release process.