Abstract
The aim of the study was to prepare 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-loaded biogenic gold nanoparticles with pluronic-based coating (PFGNPs), their optimization (full factorial predicted OBPN-1) and in vitro-ex vivo evaluation. Several formulations were prepared, selected for optimization using Design Expert®, and compared for morphology, 5-FU release kinetics, compatibility, cell line toxicity, in vitro hemocompatibility, and ex vivo intestinal permeation across the rat duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The pluronic-coated 5-FU-carrying GNPs were spherical, 29.11-178.21 nm in diameter, with a polydispersity index (PDI) range of 0.191-292, and a zeta potential (ZP) range of 11.19-29.21 (-mV). The optimized OBPN-1 (desirability = 0.95) demonstrated optimum size (175.1 nm), %DL as 73.8%, ZP as 21.7 mV, % drug release (DR) as 75.7%, and greater cytotoxicity (viability ~ 8.9%) against the colon cancer cell lines than 5-FU solution (~ 24.91%), and less hemocompatibility. Moreover, OBPN-1 exhibited 4.5-fold permeation across the rat jejunum compared with 5-FU solution. Thus, the PFGNPs exhibit high DL capacity, sustained delivery, hemocompatibility, improved efficacy, and enhanced permeation profiles compared with 5-FU solution and several other NPs preparations suggesting it is a promising formulation for effective colon cancer control with reduced side effects.