Degradation of the Chemotherapy Drug 5-Fluorouracil on Surfaces

Abstract

The catalytic effect of different materials concerning degradation of the chemo therapy drug 5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu) has been studied using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy. The materials in question are commercial grade polycrystalline silver with and without a commercial quality graphene coating, polycrystalline copper (99.9% Cu), platinum (99.9% Pt) and a (111) platinum crystal. The data shows that each material affects the drug differently, but that the result is always that the fluorine atom leaves the 5-Fu molecule at body temperature, possibly indicating the formation of hydrofluoric acid. The conclusion is based on the low fluorine quantity relative to other constituents, and by the change in binding energy of some nitrogen and carbon atoms. The 5-Fu molecule was already altered well below T = -7'C on any surface except the platinum (111) crystal, where the molecule appeared to be intact until T = 0'C.