LAUSR

In the present study, we successfully developed Cetuximab-conjugated modified citrus pectin-chitosan nanoparticles for targeted delivery of curcumin (Cet-MCPCNPs) for the treatment of colorectal cancer. In vitro analysis revealed that the resulted nanoparticles were spherically shaped particles (249.33 ± 5.15 nm) with decent drug encapsulation efficiency (68.43 ± 2.4 %) and smart drug release profile. 61.37 ± 0.70 % of the cetuximab added was incorporated on the surface of the nanoparticles. Cellular uptake studies displayed enhanced internalization of Cet-MCPCNPs in Caco-2 (EGFR +ve) cells, which ultimately resulted in a significant reduction in cancer cell propagation. The cell cycle analysis indicated that Cet- MCPCNPs induced cell death in enhanced percentage of Caco-2 cells by undergoing cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. These data suggest that Cet-MCPCNPs represent a new and promising targeting approach for the treatment of colorectal cancer.