Core-shell structured pullulan based nanocomposites as erlotinib delivery shuttles

Abstract

Anionic biopolymer (sodium alginate/low-methoxyl pectin/gellan gum) coated carboxymethyl pullulan-ZnO nanocomposites encapsulating erlotinib were developed for lung cancer therapy. The thermal, X-ray and infrared analyses suggested an environment in the nanocomposites compatible with the drug, except certain degree of attenuation in drug’s crystallinity. SEM studies revealed the irregular morphology of the nanocomposites. The uncoated and coated formulations demonstrated excellent drug encapsulation efficiency and pH dependent dissolution behavior, which was significantly improved as compared to pristine drug. The drug release profiles of the core-shell nanocomposites (F-4) in acidic and neutral media were best fitted in Korsemeyer-Peppas and zero-order kinetic model, respectively.