CD44 mediated colon cancer targeting mutlifaceted lignin nanoparticles: Synthesis, in vitro characterization and in vivo efficacy studies

[Display omitted] •Hyaluronic acid (HA) coated irinotecan loaded lignin nanoparticles for colon cancer.•Optimization of ionic interaction by cationic bridging for HA coating.•Optimum levels of oxidative stress without compromising cytotoxicity and apoptosis.•Biodistribution studies indicate both active and passive drug targeting.•Chemotherapy assisted toxicities and cancer relapse aversion. Hyaluronic acid (HA) coated irinotecan loaded lignin nanoparticles (HDLNPs) were synthesized using ionic interaction method. Optimized nanoparticles were characterized for their active chemotherapeutic targeting potential to CD44 receptors overly-expressed on cancer cells. Blood component interaction studies supported hemocompatible nature of HDLNPs and also demonstrated their sustained plasma residence property. Cell anti-proliferation and mitochondrial depolarization studies on HT-29 cells suggest significantly (p