Novel Polyvinyl Alcohol: Polyacrylic Acid Nanofiber Composite for Prolonged Release of Capecitabine: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations of Colon-Targeted Drug Delivery

Cancer is a leading cause of death in the world. Recent research studies have mainly focused on available treatments without problems. Recently, advances in nanotechnology have revolutionized the way that pharmaceuticals are given, reducing their negative effects. Electrospun nanofibers are unique among the colon-focused drug delivery technology in terms of their high biocompatibility and tunable drug-release profiles. The present study aimed to develop capecitabine (CPB)-loaded nanofibers (NFs) using a composite of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) to achieve controlled release at colonic pH. A maximum drug-release rate of 91.92% was achieved with formulated nanofibers having a diameter of 591.38 nm. Results of in vitro release by NFs showed a burst release pattern at the initial stage followed by prolonged release for up to 20 h. In vitro cell cytotoxicity studies revealed high cytotoxicity of formulated NFs against HT-29 colon carcinoma. Formulated NFs also showed improved in vivo anti-cancer activity compared to free drug. Therapeutic efficacy of CPB NFs was superior compared to free drug in treating cancer in induced rats.