Curcumin loaded magnetic nanocellulose fiber composites with con-a cap for theranostics application in breast cancer

Purpose

Magnetic nanocellulose fiber composites (MFNCs) offer an innovative approach to drug delivery due to their high therapeutic loading capacity, low cytotoxicity, and stimulus-triggered release using magnetic fields. However, achieving efficient tumor-targeted drug delivery remains challenging. MFCNs were synthesized through an in situ co-precipitation process using iron salts, followed by functionalization with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane to create amine-functionalized MFCNs (NH₂–MFNCs). Curcumin was loaded onto NH₂–MFNCs using passive loading, and Concanavalin-A was subsequently conjugated to create a targeted drug delivery system. The composites were thoroughly characterized using various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. Additionally, magnetic susceptibility tests were conducted to confirm their magnetic capabilities. XRD analysis confirmed successful conjugation of Con-A onto the nanocomposite surface, while DSC and BET analyses highlighted the thermal stability and porous nature (25.233 m²/g) of the formulation. The drug release profile exhibited pH-sensitive behavior, optimal for tumor environments. Cytotoxicity assays showed significant inhibition of MCF-7 cells, inducing cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, with an IC₅₀ value of 100 µg/mL. The synthesized MFNCs exhibit promising potential as a biocompatible, tumor-targeted drug delivery platform. Their pH-responsive release, magnetic guidance, and significant anticancer activity highlight their applicability in advancing targeted cancer therapy.

Graphical Abstract