The investigator's aim is to deliver polymeric nanoparticles loaded with anti-cancer drug Cetuximab and decorated with somatostatin analogue in the form of oral polymeric nanoparticles, which can release at only above pH 6.8 using ethylcellulose polymer. The polymeric nanoparticles were prepared using the solvent evaporation method, further will be characterized for its drug content, size, encapsulation efficiency and drug-loading using UV spectroscopy. Moreover, the ethylcellulose nanoparticles loaded Cetuximab will release the Cetuximab at pH above 6.8, while can hold the Cetuximab at pH 1.5 which protecting the stomach from the toxicity Cetuximab. Then, the nanoparticles will target the colorectal cancer cells using octreotide, the somatostatin receptor agonist which will lead it to SSTRs overexpressed in colorectal cancer cells. The strategy of deposition of ligand will depend on using the advantage of the positive charge surface of nanoparticles which can absorb the negative charges of the targeting ligands. Final outcomes: this project will present a novel formulation for the treatment of colorectal cancer which can be delivered safely to the patients in a high dose to the affected tumor cells with reduced side effects on the other healthy cells.
