Design of a 5-Fluorouracil Copolymeric Nanogel Drug Delivery System for the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Abstract

The present study investigates the development of a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) loaded copolymeric nanogel for breast cancer treatment. Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer- related mortality among women globally, with current therapies often limited by adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, alopecia, and fertility issues. The standard administration method, intravenous (IV) injection or infusion of 5-FU, typically spans several hours or days, contributing to low patient compliance and potential drug resistance. This study aims to address these challenges by developing a nanogel formulation capable of sustained drug release over a two-week period, thereby reducing administration frequency and enhancing patient compliance. Nano emulsions offer promising potential as alternative cancer therapies due to their biocompatibility and high drug-loading capacity. This research focuses on formulating a nano emulsion into a nanogel with a small particle size to improve absorption in cancer cells and prolong circulation time. The mechanical and physical properties of the formulation were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and rheological analysis. The study successfully formulated a copolymeric nanogel loaded with 5-FU, achieving an average particle size of 75 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.464, confirming an effective nanogel drug delivery system. The drug-loaded nanogel demonstrated a sustained release of 60% over 14 days. FTIR analysis identified key functional groups, confirming the chemical integrity of the formulation, while DSC indicated thermal stability. Rheological studies revealed the nanogel's elastic and flow behaviour, supporting its suitability as a drug delivery system. These findings suggest that the developed 5-FU-loaded copolymeric nanogel represents a promising step toward alternative drug delivery systems for cancer therapy