Doxorubicin-loaded pH-responsive amine functionalized cellulose nanogel to treat cervical cancer through topical drug delivery

DOX is a water-soluble anti-cancer drug used in cell biology, metabolomics, cancer, and biochemical research. It possesses cytotoxic, antitumor, anticancer, and antineoplastic properties. Amine-functionalized cellulose nanogel-based drug delivery systems offer biocompatibility, biodegradability, hemocompatibility, and the ability to entrap therapeutic agents for controlled release. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of Dox-loaded amine-functionalized cellulose nanogel (DAFCNG). The DAFCNG is prepared by using acid hydrolysis, TEMPO oxidation, and amidation, which is formed by EDC/NHS coupling. The studies show that DAFCNG is porous, permeable, and has good colloidal stability. The PBS absorption study reveals that the DAFCNG is pH responsive. The loading efficiency of Dox on AFCNG is 86.7%. The formulation of DAFCNG selectively accumulates on malignant tumor tissues and inhibits tumor growth by receptor-mediated endocytosis. The findings suggest that DAFCNG is a promising material for transdermal drug delivery applications for treating cervical cancer by receptor-mediated endocytosis.