Nanoparticles based on albumin: preparation, characterization and the use for 5-flurouracil delivery.

The aim of the study was to formulate and evaluate nanoparticles based on albumin to deliver 5-fluorouracil. The nanoparticles were prepared by coacervation method. The nanoparticles were characterized for particle size, surface charge, size distribution and drug loading capacity. The drug loading capacity varied from 4.22% to 19.8% (w/w). The mean particle size was 141.9 nm and surface charge was -30.3 mV. The drug loaded particles exerted a bi-phasic release pattern with an initial burst effect followed by a sustained release in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer. The drug release was first order diffusion controlled and the mechanism was Fickian. The drug loaded nanoparticles showed superior cytotoxicity when compared to the free drug.