Synthesis and Preliminary Physicochemical Characterization of Medicinal Plant Extract-Loaded Hyaluronic Acid–Chitosan Nanoparticles for Cancer Drug Delivery
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Abstract
Cancer therapy is continually hindered by poor drug bioavailability, off-target systemic toxicity, and evolving multidrug resistance. This study developed and characterized polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) for targeted delivery of apoptotic phytochemicals from Annona muricata leaves (AmE), Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves (BpE), and Dioscorea rotundata tubers (DrE), formulated separately. A smart delivery vehicle was synthesised using hyaluronic acid and chitosan, selected for their biocompatibility and mucoadhesive properties. The PNPs were prepared by polyelectrolyte complexation. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) evaluated nanoparticle configuration, UV–Vis spectroscopy provided qualitative evidence of extract incorporation, and FTIR identified functional groups responsible for polymer–extract conjugation. Surface and internal structures were visualised using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. DLS showed mean hydrodynamic sizes of 535.6 nm, 450.5 nm, and 344.8 nm for AmE, BpE, and DrE PNPs, respectively, with corresponding polydispersity indices of 0.264, 0.292, and 0.254. All three formulations demonstrated preliminary successful encapsulation within stable polymeric matrices, supported by optical evidence from UV–Vis and chemical evidence from FTIR. DrE produced the smallest and most uniform particles. Morphological analysis revealed optimised spherical particle distributions, which are critical for cellular uptake and sustained release. Formulating AmE, BpE, and DrE in efficient polysaccharide nanocarriers establishes a robust framework for precise, smart drug delivery. These plant-derived PNPs offer a promising biocompatible alternative to conventional chemotherapy delivery, potentially enhancing efficacy while minimising systemic adverse effects. Studies are ongoing to attain desirable particle sizes and distributions for subsequent drug-delivery experiments. Further optimization will support the intended application of these formulations in targeted anticancer therapy.
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