Synthesis of Ficus carica sap-functionalized Nano-chitosan for biomedical applications: Apoptosis induction and tumor cell line growth inhibition

During the last few decades, the use of nanoparticles due to their unique properties, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and nanometer size to reduce the side effects of drugs, especially in cancer treatment, has been considered. Chitosan nanoparticles, as biopolymers, are known as drug carriers due to their anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties and for passing through the membrane barrier of cells. Also, Ficus carica sap has high amounts of polyphenol compounds, which can be a valuable source of antioxidants. In the present study, Chitosan- ficus carica sap nanocomposite was synthesized and The structural properties and morphology of functionalized Nano-chitosan were investigated using FTIR, SEM, and TEM analysis. In GC–MS chromatogram of alcoholic extract of Ficus carica sap, It shows the identified compounds in Ficus carica sap and the percentage of each compound. A total of 28 compounds were identified. Among the identified compounds, C 11 H 13 NO 2 by 17.40 %, and C 13 H 22 O 3 by 12.56 % had the highest amount compared to other compounds. The MTT test was carried out with different compound concentrations (12.5–25–50-6.25-3.12-1.56-0.78-0.39-0.19-0.009-04 μg/mL) and the MTT concentration was determined against the Hela cell line. The Hela cell line was treated with MTT concentration, and the amount of apoptosis was investigated by Flowcytometry technique. Also, MIC, MBC, and disk diffusion tests were performed for study compound antibacterial activity against major Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria according to CLSI2022. The cells were treated with an MTT concentration of 0.8 μg/mL with chitosan nanoparticles functionalized with Ficus carica sap. In this study, Chitosan- ficus carica sap nanocomposite the MIC and MBC against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria determined 200 μg/mL. In the treatment group, apoptosis was determined 46.91 % and In the untreated group, apoptosis was 10.66 %. the results indicated apoptosis after treatment increased 4.4 times. Due to the effect of this nanocomposite compound in low concentrations against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria inhibition and the property of inducing apoptosis in Hela cell lines, it is possible to research and use this compound as a therapeutic and preventive medicine against vaginal infections and cervical cancer. • Synthesis of chitosan and Ficus carica sap nanocomposite. • Identification of compounds in Ficus carica sap. • Anticancer effect and apoptosis induction of Hela cancer cells with chitosan nanocomposite and Ficus carica sap. • Excellent performance of chitosan and Ficus carica sap nanocomposite against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.