Evaluation of controlled release PVC/PEG polymeric films containing 5-fluorouracil for long-term antitumor

The polymeric film based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) and starch cellulose acetate (SCA) using trioctyltrimellitate (TOTM) as a plasticizer was prepared. It was found that PVC/PEG/TOTM (10/90/5) blend film containing 60% SCA has a good optimum mechanical property. The prepared polymer film was loaded with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as a traditional anticancer drug. The prepared polymer with and without the 5-FU drug was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The polymer carried 5-fluorouracil was examined as slow release drug through subjecting to aqueous media of varied pHs for different time periods. The release was measured spectrophotometrically. It was found that the release rate depends on the pH of the aqueous media. The release of the drug in the alkaline media was found to be faster and higher compared to the other media. Also, the sustained release of the drug was extended to about 60 days. The diffusion coefficient (D) of the released 5-FU carrier was determined, and the calculated values were found to be 4.595 × 10⁻⁵, 3.846 × 10⁻⁴ and 8.756 × 10⁻⁴ mm²/day in neutral, acidic and basic media, respectively, according to Higuch’s equation. The data obtained from the in vitro cytotoxic activity of the released 5-FU showed a sustained antiproliferative potency against human liver cancer cell line with different ratios for growth inhibition of cancer cells.