Synthesis of octadecylamine-retinoic acid conjugate for enhanced cytotoxic effects of 5-FU using LDL targeted nanostructured lipid carriers

► Retinoic acid was conjugated to octadecylamine. ► 5-FU and retinoic acid conjugate were loaded in cholesterol NLCs. ► NLCs targeted LDL receptors of HT29 cells. ► IC50 of NLCs of retinoic acid conjugate and 5-FU was more than 5 fold of free 5-FU. ► NLCs of 5-FU and retinoic acid conjugate seems promising in colorectal cancer.