We prepared gemcitabine conjugated to SWCNT and PEGylated SWCNT.
High drug loading, good release time and improved stability of GEM were achieved.
The intracellular localization of hydrophilic anticancer drug (GEM) was enhanced.
The conjugates showed notable cytotoxicity against the A549 and MIA PaCa-2 cells.
The SWCNT-PEG-GEM conjugates could efficiently inhibit tumor growth in nude mice.