PVA/κ-carrageenan/Au/camptothecin/pegylated-polyurethane/paclitaxel nanofibers against lung cancer treatment

Gold nanoparticles, paclitaxel (PTX), and camptothecin (CMPT) were loaded into the PVA/κ-carrageenan/pegylated-PU composite and core–shell nanofibers prepared by two-nozzle and coaxial electrospinning methods. The capability of composite and core–shell nanofibers was investigated for the targeted delivery of anticancer drugs in lung cancer treatment. In vitro and in vivo release of PTX and CMPT were investigated to find the release mechanism from nanofibers compared to direct administration of pristine PTX and CMPT. The mean fiber diameter for composite and core–shell nanofibers with shell feeding rates of 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 mL h(−1) was about 225, 330, 520, and 640 nm, respectively. In vivo release studies indicated that the blood concentration of CMPT and PTX for rats fed with core–shell nanofibers reached the highest values of 26.8 ± 0.04 μg mL(−1), and 26.5 ± 0.05 μg mL(−1) in 36 h, and 24 h and reduced slowly within 84 h, and 48 h, respectively. The maximum cytotoxicity was 75% in the presence PVA/κ-carrageenan/CMPT/Au/pegylated-PU/PTX core–shell nanofibers. In vivo antitumor activity results confirmed the synergic effect of Au, CMPT and PTX anticancer drugs on the reduction of tumor volume without change in mouse weight by the PVA/κ-carrageenan/CMPT/Au/pegylated PU/PTX core–shell nanofibers. The obtained results indicated that the simultaneous loading of CMPT and PTX anticancer drugs and Au nanoparticles is more beneficial for lung cancer treatment.