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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Preparation and Characterization of SDF-1α-Chitosan-Dextran Sulfate Nanoparticles
Published on: January 22, 2015
Graphene oxide based functionalized chitosan polyelectrolyte nanocomposite for targeted and pH responsive drug
T S Anirudhan1, V Chithra Sekhar1, V S Athira1
1Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Trivandrum 695 581, India.
Researchers developed a novel nanocomposite drug carrier using modified graphene oxide and chitosan. This carrier effectively loaded anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) with high efficiency and showed promising potential for targeted cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Development of advanced drug delivery systems is crucial for effective cancer therapy.
- Graphene oxide (GO) and chitosan (CS) are biocompatible materials with potential for drug encapsulation.
- Functionalization of GO and CS can enhance drug loading and targeted delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a novel folic acid-conjugated chemically modified chitosan/amine functionalized graphene oxide (FA-CMCS/AGO) nanocomposite.
- To evaluate the doxorubicin (DOX) loading capacity and release profile of the FA-CMCS/AGO nanocomposite.
- To assess the in vitro cytotoxicity of the developed nanocomposite for potential anticancer drug delivery applications.
Main Methods:
- Amine functionalization of graphene oxide (AGO) and conjugation of chitosan with folic acid (FA-CS).
- Grafting of itaconic acid and acrylic acid onto FA-CS to form FA-CMCS, followed by DOX loading via π-π stacking.
- Characterization using FTIR, SEM, TEM, Raman, AFM, DLS, and ZP; in vitro drug release studies at pH 5.3 and 7.4; cell viability assays on L929, HeLa, and MCF7 cells.
Main Results:
- The FA-CMCS/AGO nanocomposite was successfully synthesized and characterized.
- High drug loading capacity of 95.0% for doxorubicin was achieved.
- Enhanced drug release was observed at acidic pH (5.3) compared to physiological pH (7.4), indicating pH-responsive behavior.
Conclusions:
- The FA-CMCS/AGO nanocomposite demonstrates excellent doxorubicin loading efficiency and pH-responsive release characteristics.
- The nanocomposite exhibits potential for targeted anticancer drug delivery, with promising in vitro efficacy.
- Further investigation into its clinical applications for cancer therapy is warranted.
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