Abstract
Colon cancer is the third major cancer contributor to mortality worldwide. Nanosized particles have attracted attention due to their possible contribution towards cancer treatment and diagnosis. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a cancer therapeutic modality that involves a light source, a photosensitizer and reactive oxygen species. Carbon nanotubes are fascinating nanocarriers for drug delivery, cancer diagnosis and numerous potential applications due to their unique physicochemical properties. In this study, single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were coupled with hyaluronic acid (HA) and chlorin e6 (Ce6) coated on the walls of SWCNTs. The newly synthesized nanobiocomposite was characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform electron microscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), particle size analysis and zeta potential. The loading efficiency of the SWCNTs-HA for Ce6 was calculated. The toxicity of the nanobiocomposite was tested on colon cancer cells using PDT at a fluence of 5 J/cm2 and 10 J/cm2. After 24 h, cellular changes were observed via microscopy, LDH cytotoxicity assay and cell death induction using annexin propidium iodide. The results showed that the newly synthesized nanobiocomposite enhanced the ability of PDT to be a photosensitizer carrier and induced cell death in colon cancer cells.
Highlights
Cancer is a deadly disease characterised by the formation and growth of abnormal cells that proliferate uncontrollably [1]
The photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) dissolved in the solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMF), which acted as a blank for all the samples, recorded three characteristic peaks, one maximum absorption peak at 405 nm and two peaks at 503 nm and 664 nm [21] (Figure 1)
The single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are functionalised with a carboxyl group and the hyaluronic acid (HA) is activated with an amine group, both of which are chemically attached by a strong carbonyl bond
Summary
Cancer is a deadly disease characterised by the formation and growth of abnormal cells that proliferate uncontrollably [1]. The specific causes of cancer include obesity, infections and UV radiation as reported by the WHO. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in males and females, and if CRC metastasizes to other parts of the body, the 5-year survival rate of patients is 15% [2]. Current treatments for cancer are radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgical resection, and immunotherapy. Available treatments have severe side effects like poor bioavailability and non-specificity, killing healthy cells. Researchers are optimistic about the potential of nanomaterials to target cancer cells and increase the bioavailability of the drug [3]
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