Abstract:
PMMA-AA encapsulated ZnO bionanoconjugate (Cur/PMMA-AA/ZnO) was successfully synthesised
and utilized as good cargo materials to carry the well-known hydrophobic drug curcumin by surface
functionalization. Physical characteristics of this novel bioconjugate has been studied with transmission
electron microscopy (TEM) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) in conjunction with spectral techniques.
A narrow particle size distribution with an average value of 42 nm was found via TEM. Most importantly,
the pH-responsive curcumin release from this nano-vehicle ensures safer, much controlled delivery
towards gastric cancer cell lines at physiological pH gradients. The efficient curcumin entrapment and
loading were evaluated along with its in vitro efficacy with mice model, which showed a potent inhibition
on the growth of AGS cancer tumour in male Swiss albino mouse, and acts as a promising targeted cancer
agent. Interestingly the given bio-nanocomposite was rapidly cleared from the organs with negligible
exhibition of toxicity. From the obtained results it is understood that the apoptosis has been occurred
through mitochondrial disruption-mediated pathway. Also these nanomaterials could efficiently hinder the
Go/G1 transition along with cycle progression at S-phase transition due to the radiation-induced DNA
damage. These findings declared that the auspicious candidate, curcumin could be successfully delivered
into the specific target by the polymer encapsulated ZnO NPs and exhibited a potent activity against gastric
cancer cells at molecular and cellular levels as well as cell proliferation in a panel of tumour cells. The
multifunctional properties of the studied bionanoconjugate system may open up new avenues in cancer
therapy through overcoming the limitations of conventional cancer therapy.
