@article {17574,
	title = {Pectin-coated chitosan microgels crosslinked on superhydrophobic surfaces for 5-fluorouracil encapsulation},
	journal = {Carbohydrate Polymers},
	volume = {98},
	year = {2013},
	month = {2013-05-31 00:00:00},
	pages = {331-340},
	publisher = { Elsevier B.V.},
	abstract = {<p>5-Fluorouracil(5-FU)-loaded chitosan microgels for oral and topical chemotherapy were prepared applying a superhydrophobic surface-based encapsulation technology. Drug-loaded chitosan dispersions were cross-linked and then coated with drug-free chitosan or pectin layers at the solid-air interface in a highly<br>efficient and environment-friendly way. The size of the microgels (with diameters of ca.280 and 557um for the chitosan seeds and pectin-coated microgels respectively) was the lowest obtained until now using similar biomimetic methodologies. The microgels were characterized regarding 5-FU release pro-files in vitro in aqueous media covering the pH range of the gastrointestinal tract, and cytotoxicity against two cancer cell lines sensitive to 5-FU. Owing to their control of 5-FU release in acidic medium, calcium pectinate-coated microgels can be considered as suitable for oral administration. Growth inhibition of cancer cells by 5-FU was greater when incorporated to chitosan microgels; these being potentially useful for treatment of skin and colorectal tumors.</p>},
	keywords = {Chitosan, Colorectal cancer, Pectin, pH-responsive release, Skin cancer, superhydrophobic surfaces},
	doi = {10.1016/j.carbpol.2013.05.091},
	url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0144861713005912},
	author = {Puga, A. M. and Lima, A. C. and Mano, J. F. and Concheiro, A. and Alvarez-Lorenzo, C.}
}
