In vitro drug release

Dialysis tubing method was followed for the in vitro drug release analysis of 5-FU from f-SWCNTs and f-MWCNTs containing drug in simulated gastric or an intestinal dissolution fluid [30], the required simulated fluid (pH 7.4, intestinal) was prepared in accordance with the procedure mentioned by Sobh et al. [23].

Before starting the experiments, dialysis bag/tubing having MW cutoff 12,000 Da and and 76 mm in size (Sigma Aldrich) was placed in the selected buffer solution for continuous 3.0 h [31]. Then, 1 mg of the samples was added into 3.0 mL of the dissolution media (buffer saline) containing dialysis tubing. Subsequently, sample containing tubing was kept in a closed receptor compartment containing dissolution media (50 mL, Buffer Saline) with stirring (100 rpm) at 37.0 ± 1 °C [31]. The buffer saline volume level was maintained during the experiment. Finally, 3 mL of drug loaded CNTs sample was withdrawn at regular time interval for UV analysis at the maximum absorption wavelength using the standard calibration curve method.