Development and characterization of 5-fluorouracil nanofibrous film for the treatment of stomach cancer

The purpose of the present exposition was to develop 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) loaded gastro retentive nanofibrous film, to improve the chemotherapeutic performance in gastric cancer. 5-FU loaded Eudragit S-100 composite nanofibers have been prepared and optimized using a single nozzle electrospinning technique. The prepared nanofibers were evaluated for inclusive pharmaceutical aspects including drug encapsulation, physical properties, surface morphology, buoyancy, tensile strength, thermal properties, and in-vitro release. The developed formulation shows high % drug encapsulation (>90%), superior thermal stability, and released 90% of encapsulated therapeutic after 12 h. The optimized formulation was subjected to in-vivo antitumor performance against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) induced orthotopic xenograft models. The developed nanofiber formulation exhibits superior tumor regression potential and pharmacokinetic profile compared to the plain drug. Experimental findings suggest that a nanofiber-based gastro retentive drug delivery system offers a potential strategy for the localized treatment of gastric cancer with improved chemotherapeutic performance.