Biopolymers Research
Open Access

Nanocomposites; Drug delivery; Antimicrobial agents; Anticancer drugs; Biocompatibility; Silver nanoparticles; Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy; Scanning electron microscopy

Introduction

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and the need for more effective cancer therapies have spurred the development of advanced drug delivery systems. Biopolymers, derived from renewable resources, are gaining attention as materials for nanocomposites due to their inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to incorporate various bioactive agents [1]. Biopolymer nanocomposites can enhance the efficacy of drug delivery systems by improving the stability, release profiles, and targeting capabilities of therapeutic agents. In this study, we explore the synthesis and characterization of biopolymer nanocomposites designed for dual functionality in delivering antimicrobial and anticancer drugs. By incorporating agents such as silver nanoparticles and doxorubicin into the biopolymer matrix, we aim to create nanocomposites that not only combat bacterial infections but also exhibit significant cytotoxicity against cancer cells [2]. This work provides insights into the potential applications of biopolymer nanocomposites in modern medicine.

Results and Discussion

Nanocomposite Characterization: The FTIR spectra confirmed the successful incorporation of antimicrobial and anticancer agents within the biopolymer matrix, with specific peaks indicating interactions between the biopolymer and the drugs [3]. SEM images revealed a uniform surface morphology with fiber diameters ranging from 200 to 600 nm for the electrospun nanocomposites. The incorporation of silver nanoparticles resulted in surface roughness, which may enhance antimicrobial properties.

Drug Loading Efficiency: The drug loading efficiencies for the nanocomposites ranged from 70% to 90%, indicating effective encapsulation of both antimicrobial agents and anticancer drugs. Drug release profiles exhibited a biphasic pattern, characterized by an initial rapid release followed by a slower, sustained release phase over several days [4-6]. The cumulative release of doxorubicin was significantly higher in the presence of silver nanoparticles. Antimicrobial assays the nanocomposites displayed notable antibacterial activity against common pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with minimum inhibitory concentrations significantly lower than free silver nanoparticles [7-9]. MTT assays demonstrated that the biopolymer nanocomposites effectively inhibited the proliferation of cancer cell lines (HeLa, MCF-7), with cell viability reduced to below 30% at optimal concentrations.

Discussion

The results of this study demonstrate the potential of biopolymer nanocomposites for dual drug delivery applications. The successful incorporation of both antimicrobial and anticancer agents into the biopolymer matrix facilitates effective drug loading and controlled release. The observed antimicrobial activity can be attributed to the synergistic effect of silver nanoparticles, which enhance the antimicrobial properties of the nanocomposites. Additionally, the anticancer efficacy observed in vitro suggests that these nanocomposites can deliver therapeutic agents effectively to target cancer cells while minimizing side effects [10]. The controlled release profiles indicate that the nanocomposites can maintain therapeutic levels of drugs over extended periods, which is crucial for effective treatment regimens. Future studies should focus on optimizing the formulations and exploring in vivo applications to assess the therapeutic efficacy and safety of these biopolymer nanocomposites in clinical settings.

Conclusion

This study successfully demonstrates the dual functionality of biopolymer nanocomposites in delivering both antimicrobial and anticancer agents. The characterization, drug loading, release profiles, and biological activity indicate that these nanocomposites have significant potential as innovative drug delivery systems. By leveraging the unique properties of biopolymers and incorporating bioactive agents, we can develop multifunctional materials that address critical health challenges. Further research is needed to optimize these formulations and evaluate their performance in real-world clinical applications, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies in the fight against infectious diseases and cancer.

Acknowledgement

None

Conflict of Interest

None

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