FABRICATION AND EVALUATION OF IONICALLY CROSS-LINKED TRAGACANTH GUM NANOCOMPOSITES FOR THE DELIVERY OF ANTI-CANCER DRUGS

Background: Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have gained significant attention due to their ability to provide sustained release, localized drug administration, and advanced diagnostic capabilities. Chitosan-based drug-loaded nanoparticles (CSNPs) are particularly promising for targeted and controlled drug delivery, as well as imaging applications. Objective: This study aimed to develop nanocomposites for the delivery of the anticancer drug methotrexate (MTX) using a cross-linked chitosan (CS) and Tragacanth Gum (TG) system via ionotropic gelation. The physicochemical properties, drug release kinetics, and biocompatibility of the formulations were evaluated. Methods: TG-CS nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, and EDX. Particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential were measured. Four formulations (NP1-NP4) were prepared, and their loading capacity (LC), entrapment efficiency (EE), and yield were assessed. In vitro drug release kinetics were analyzed, and cytotoxicity was evaluated via MTT assay on HEPG-2 and MCF-7 cell lines. Hemolytic activity was also examined. Results: The nanoparticles exhibited an absorption peak at 400 nm (UV-vis) and an N-H stretch at 3477 cm⁻¹ (FTIR). NP3 demonstrated optimal properties with a particle size of 250 nm, PDI of 0.571, and zeta potential of 80.5 mV. It showed the highest EE (75.9%), LC (9.35%), and yield among all formulations. Drug release followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model with first-order kinetics. NP3 exhibited greater hemolytic activity (185%) due to saline compatibility, whereas NP2 showed negligible impact (2.5%). Conclusion: The TG-CS nanocomposite (NP3) proved to be an effective sustained-release carrier for MTX, with high biocompatibility and anticancer potential. These findings highlight its promise for targeted drug delivery in cancer therapy.