Functionalized Moringa oleifera Gum as pH-Responsive Nanogel for Doxorubicin Delivery: Synthesis, Kinetic Modelling...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Targeted drug delivery remains a significant challenge in chemotherapy, necessitating advanced systems for improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
• Environment-responsive nanocarriers offer a promising strategy to achieve site-specific drug release within the tumor microenvironment.
• Moringa oleifera gum presents a biocompatible and biodegradable natural polymer with potential for developing novel drug delivery platforms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a pH-responsive nanogel (MOGN) using Moringa oleifera gum as a carrier for doxorubicin (DOX).
• To evaluate the drug loading capacity, swelling behavior, and in vitro drug release profile of the DOX-loaded MOGN.
• To assess the potential of MOGN for site-specific and controlled delivery of anticancer drugs in a simulated tumor environment.

Main Methods:

• Moringa oleifera gum-based nanogel (MOGN) synthesized via free radical polymerization using γ-irradiation, followed by hydrolysis, sonication, and ultracentrifugation.
• pH-dependent swelling behavior assessed using a gravimetric method.
• Doxorubicin (DOX) loading efficiency determined, and in vitro release studies conducted at different pH values (5.5 and 7.4).
• Drug release kinetics analyzed using Korsmeyer-Peppas and Higuchi models.
• Cytotoxicity studies performed using Rhabdomyosarcoma cells to evaluate drug release efficacy.

Main Results:

• MOGN exhibited superabsorbent properties with a swelling ratio of 365.0 g/g.
• High doxorubicin loading efficiency of 98.35% was achieved.
• In vitro studies showed significantly higher DOX release at pH 5.5 (91.92%) compared to pH 7.4 (12.18%), mimicking the tumor microenvironment.
• Drug release followed Korsmeyer-Peppas model at pH 5.5 and 6.8, and Higuchi model at pH 7.4.
• Cytotoxicity studies confirmed efficient DOX release and efficacy against Rhabdomyosarcoma cells.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized Moringa oleifera gum-based nanogel (MOGN) is a highly efficient carrier for doxorubicin.
• MOGN demonstrates excellent pH-triggered drug release, favoring the acidic tumor environment.
• This pH-responsive nanogel system shows significant promise for targeted and controlled delivery of anticancer drugs, potentially enhancing chemotherapy outcomes.