Self-assembly of a 5-fluorouracil and camptothecin dual drug dipeptide conjugate

Org Biomol Chem. 2022 Jul 6;20(26):5254-5258. doi: 10.1039/d2ob00762b.

Abstract

Nano-formulated, combinatory therapeutics that control the spatiotemporal aspects of drug release have potential to overcome many of the challenges faced in cancer therapy. Herein, we describe a peptide nanotube functionalized with two anticancer drugs, 5-fluoruracil (5-FU) and camptothecin (CPT). The nanotube was formed via peptide self-assembly, which positioned 5-FU on the surface at the aqueous interface; whereas, CPT was sequestered within the hydrophobic walls. Thus, two different release profiles were observed: rapid release of 5-FU, followed by slower, sustained production of CPT. This profile emerged from the rapid hydrolytic cleavage of 5-FU at the aqueous/nanotube interface, which produced a smaller nanotube comprised of the peptide fragment.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / chemistry
  • Camptothecin* / chemistry
  • Dipeptides
  • Drug Liberation
  • Fluorouracil

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Dipeptides
  • Fluorouracil
  • Camptothecin