Synthesis and characterization of a moringa gum cross-linked pectin nanogel for antifungal and anticancer activities

Moringa gum was grafted with pectin and silver to synthesize the nanogel composite (Ag-Mog-Pec) by a multi-step process, which was used for evaluating its swelling nature, anticancer activity and for enhancing the efficacy of antifungal medications. The average size of synthesized Ag-Mog-Pec was determined to be approximately 175.67 ± 0.88 nm. The synthesized nanogel was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) to confirm successful synthesis and evaluate potential applications. The evaluation of swelling nature was performed to find out the water absorption capacity of the synthesized nanogel under two distinct thermal conditions (25 °C and 37 °C) and across the various pH levels (2.2, 4.2, 6.5, 7.4 and 8.2). The effectiveness of the synthesized nanogel against cancer was tested using the MTT assay, which showed IC₅₀ values of 13.12 and 18.79 μg/ml for the A549 and L929 cell lines, respectively. The antifungal investigations were performed on four distinct fungal strains, such as <i>Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Trichophyton rubrum</i> and <i>Trichophyton violaceum</i>. The antifungal study revealed a more efficient inhibitory zone, particularly against <i>Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis</i> and <i>Trichophyton rubrum,</i> with Itraconazole (a known antifungal drug) being used as a positive control.