Orange-Peel-Derived Nanobiochar for Targeted Cancer Therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• Carbon nanostructures offer targeted cancer therapy by recognizing cancer-specific receptors.
• Developing sustainable and effective nanomaterials for drug delivery is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize nanobiochar (NBC) from orange peels via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) as a cancer-targeting drug delivery platform.
• To evaluate NBC conjugated with various targeting ligands (biotin, riboflavin, folic acid, hyaluronic acid) for biocompatibility and cancer cell uptake.
• To assess the anticancer efficacy of drug-loaded NBC systems.

Main Methods:

• Green synthesis of graphene-like nanobiochar (NBC) from orange peels using hydrothermal carbonization (HTC).
• Conjugation of NBC with biotin, riboflavin, folic acid, and hyaluronic acid as targeting ligands.
• In vitro evaluation of biocompatibility and cellular uptake in A549 lung cancer cells.
• Loading of the poorly water-soluble drug DHF into selected NBC nanosystems and assessment of anticancer activity.

Main Results:

• Biotin- and riboflavin-conjugated NBC showed the best biocompatibility and uptake in A549 cells.
• Drug-loaded biotin-functionalized NBC significantly enhanced DHF internalization and anticancer efficacy.
• Biotin-NBC with DHF more than doubled cancer cell death compared to the drug alone.
• Oxygen-containing functional groups on NBC improved water dispersion stability for drug delivery.

Conclusions:

• Green-synthesized nanobiochar from orange peels is a promising nanoplatform for targeted cancer drug delivery.
• Biotin-functionalized nanobiochar demonstrates superior performance in drug delivery and cancer cell targeting.
• The presence of oxygen functional groups enhances the stability and effectiveness of nanobiochar-based drug delivery systems.