CURCUMIN-CONJUGATED CHITOSAN OLIGOMERS DERIVED FROM MICROWAVE IRRADIATION FOR NANOFORMULATION IN COLON CANCER TREATMENT

Abstract

Colon cancer remains as one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide, whilst current treatment options are not optimal. Chemotherapy is the mainstay in cancer therapy but is associated with severe side effects. Some anticancer agents of plant origin such as curcumin (CURC), have gained recognition as formidable alternatives to chemotherapeutic drugs. However, the full therapeutic potential of CURC can best be harnessed following formulation or chemical intervention. In this proposal we developed a curcumin-conjugated-chitosan nanoparticles (CCC NPs) delivery system based on a novel approach comprising of fragmentation of chitosan (Ct) by microwave (MW) irradiation at 300W, conjugation with CURC through a Schiff base reaction, and then constructing into CURC-Ct NPs by ionic gelation. Fragmentation of Ct as well as conjugation to CURC was confirmed by UV-vis, FTIR, XRD, DSC, viscometry and CN elemental analyses. The MW treated CCC NPs were 71.19 ± 0.52 nm, significantly smaller than the control CCC NPs (95.31±0.17nm). Both control and 300W CCC NPs had a spherical morphology and CURC release was higher in 300W CCC NPs than control, which was sustained over 96 hrs. Preliminary in-vitro cell cytotoxicity studies indicate a promising dose-dependent cytotoxic effect of the CURC-Ct NPs against colon cancer. This approach will help in providing a more convenient, cost effective and accessible oral dosage form to patients. The next phase of the study will involve an in-depth understanding of the molecular basis of action and in-vivo anti-colon cancer evaluation.