Preparation of carrageenan/ chitosan-based (N,N,N-trimeth(yl chitosan chloride) silver nanocomposites as pH sensitive carrier for effective controlled curcumin delivery in cancer cells

Abstract

PurposeThis work aims to formulate a novel pH-sensitive biocompatible metallic nanocomposite as a carrier for hydrophobic drugs with efficient loading and controlled drug release. The proposed carrier consists of a polyelectrolyte complex of chitosan-based, N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan chloride (TMC), and carrageenan (CAR) biopolymers with different silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) molar ratios forming CAR/TMC-Ag nanocomposites that investigated to be used as a carrier for controlled gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) release of curcumin (CUR) as a model of lipophilic drugs. MethodsThe structure of nanocomposites was scrutinized via FTIR, TEM, SEM, XRD and EDX, whereas the potential cytotoxicity and antimicrobial efficacy of loaded nanocomposite with 3% AgNPs (NC-3% Ag) were probed, as well. ResultsSuccessful loading and release of CUR were detected from the prepared nanocomposites without change in its functionality with a higher releasing profile in pH 7.4 (simulated intestinal fluid) than pH 1.2 (simulated gastric fluid). In vitro release study of CUR loaded NC-3% Ag showed the favored sustained drug release reaching 98.9% ± 0.9 within 24 h in pH 7.4, following Korsmeyer−Peppas model. Additionally, successful release from loaded CAR/TMC nanocomposite with 3% AgNPs (NC-3% Ag), revealed high cytotoxic effect with apoptotic induction against human colon cancerous cells (Caco-2) through G2/M cell cycle arrest and antibacterial potency against different bacterial strains. Moreover, cell viability results of NC-3% Ag against human normal cells exhibited good biocompatibility. ConclusionAccordingly, we suggested NC-3% Ag as a promising controlled drug delivery vehicle for hydrophobic drugs with preferred intestinal targeting effectiveness.