Summary
Published in Journal of Controlled Release (2022), this peer-reviewed study used 3D Petri Dish® micro-molds to form scaffold-free 3D microtissues. Full citation: Almeida, Andreia, et al. Oral delivery of camptothecin-loaded multifunctional chitosan-based micelles is effective in reduce colorectal cancer
Oral delivery of camptothecin-loaded multifunctional chitosan-based micelles is effective in reduce colorectal cancer
Research Overview
Colorectal cancer chemotherapy is limited by poor drug solubility, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics. This study loaded camptothecin into an amphiphilic chitosan modified with PEG and oleic acid, aiming to slow disease progression after oral administration.
The loaded micelles showed anticancer activity against HCT116, Caco-2, and HT29 colorectal lines, while empty micelles proved safe with human blood cells and the same cancer lines. Crucially, the loaded micelles also produced a significant effect in a more complex 3D multicellular colorectal spheroid model — a harder test than monolayer screening.
Key Discoveries
- Camptothecin loaded into PEG- and oleic-acid-modified amphiphilic chitosan micelles for oral delivery
- Activity confirmed against HCT116, Caco-2, and HT29 lines; empty micelles were safe
- Efficacy held up in a 3D multicellular colorectal cancer spheroid model
