Development and evaluation of 5-fluorouracil loaded chitin nanogels for treatment of skin cancer

► Stable 5-fluorouracil-loaded chitin nanogel (120-140 nm) was developed. ► FCNGs have almost same steady state flux as control 5-FU by skin permeation study. ► FCNGs retained in deeper layers of skin as 4-5 times more than 5-FU. ► More uptake and higher toxicity on melanoma, sparing the normal fibroblast cells. ► Histopathology showed no inflammatory signs by cationically charged FCNGs.