Development and characterization of engineered gingerol loaded chitosan nanoparticles for targeting colon cancer,

Mahmoud A Abdelaziz1, Adel I Alalawy2, Mohamed Sobhi1

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, P.O. Box 741, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia.

Insights

This study developed gingerol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (GN@CsNPs) for colorectal cancer, bacterial infections, and oxidative stress. The nanotherapeutic showed significant anticancer, broad-spectrum antibacterial, and antioxidant effects, offering integrated treatment potential.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant health burden, often accompanied by bacterial infections and oxidative stress.
  • Current treatments have limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies for integrated management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a multifunctional nanotherapeutic platform using gingerol (GN) loaded chitosan nanoparticles (GN@CsNPs).
  • To evaluate the efficacy of GN@CsNPs in targeting colorectal cancer, combating enteric bacterial infections, and alleviating oxidative stress.

Main Methods:

  • Nanoformulation of GN@CsNPs with sustained release properties under acidic conditions (pH 4.2).
  • In vitro cytotoxicity assays against HCT-116 colon cancer cells.
  • Antibacterial evaluations including inhibition zones, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC).
  • Antioxidant activity assessment via free radical scavenging assays.
  • Molecular docking studies to elucidate anticancer and antimicrobial mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • GN@CsNPs exhibited a sustained release profile, with 98.5% cumulative release at pH 4.2 over 72 hours.
  • Significant dose-dependent cytotoxicity against HCT-116 cells (IC50 = 73.2 μg/mL) and up to 93.4% inhibition.
  • Broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against E. coli and Salmonella enterica (MICs 150-300 μg/mL, MBCs up to 350 μg/mL).
  • Potent antioxidant capacity with 83.0% free radical scavenging at 1000 μg/mL (IC50 = 30.9 μg/mL).
  • Molecular docking revealed high binding affinity of GN to mTOR and gtfB, supporting its dual functionality.

Conclusions:

  • GN@CsNPs represent a promising bio-based nanotherapeutic platform for integrated management.
  • The developed system effectively targets colorectal cancer, combats bacterial infections, and mitigates oxidative stress.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the in vivo potential of GN@CsNPs for clinical applications.