Doxorubicin-galactomannan nanoconjugates for potential cancer treatment

Abstract

In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of pH-responsive nanoconjugates for targeted drug delivery. Galactomannan extracted from D. regia seeds was oxidized to form aldehyde groups, achieving a percentage of oxidation of 25.6 %. The resulting oxidized galactomannan (GMOX) was then copolymerized with PINIPAm-NH₂, yielding a copolymer. The copolymer exhibited signals from both GMOX and PNIPAm-NH₂ in its NMR spectrum, confirming successful copolymerization. Critical association concentration (CAC) studies revealed the formation of nanostructures, with lower CAC values observed at higher temperatures. The copolymer and GMOX reacted with doxorubicin (DOX), resulting in nanoconjugates with controlled drug release profiles, especially under acidic conditions similar to tumor microenvironments. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated significant efficacy of the nanoconjugates against melanoma cells with reduced toxicity towards healthy cells. These findings underscore the potential of the pH-responsive nanoconjugates as promising candidates for targeted cancer therapy, offering improved therapeutic efficacy and reduced systemic side effects.

Keywords: Copolymer; Doxorubicin (DOX); Nanoparticle; Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide); Schiff base.