5-Fluorouracil-loaded green chitosan nanoparticles/ guar gum nanocomposite hydrogel in controlled drug delivery

In recent years nanotechnologies have been applied to human health with promising results, especially in the field of drug delivery. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) have garnered much importance in controlled drug delivery owing to their size. Chitosan (Cs) is a well-recognized biopolymer and Cs NPs have been widely explored in drug delivery. Nonetheless, reports pertaining to green synthesis of Cs NPs are scarce. Thus, in this study, green synthesis of Cs NPs was accomplished from raw mango peel extract. Spherical Cs NPs with positively charged surface of 33.4 mV was accomplished by this process. Cs NPs, in varied content, were integrated in a guar gum network matrix resulting in a nanocomposite hydrogel. The mechanical and thermal stability of the hydrogel improved upon addition of Cs NPs. The hydrogel exhibited smart swelling, good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory propensities. Cs NPs encapsulating 5-Fluorouracil demonstrated a controlled release drug profile in the colorectum and the kinetics implied the anomalous nature of drug release mechanism. The exposure of the drug-loaded nanocomposite hydrogel displayed improved anticancer effects in HT-29 colon cancer cells. Taken altogether, this study puts forth the greater efficacy of Cs NPs in controlled drug delivery for anticancer therapy. [Display omitted] •Green synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles accomplished from raw mango peel extract.•CsNP was integrated in a guar gum resulting in a nanocomposite hydrogel.•Addition of CsNP improved the thermal and mechanical property of hydrogel.•Hydrogel showed good degradation, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory behaviour.•Controlled release of 5-FU was achieved in colorectum from the hydrogel.