Folic acid conjugated magnetic chitosan nanocomposite for the targeted delivery of dual anticancer drugs to breast cancer and hyperthermia therapy.

Increase in breast cancer has led to the search for systems that can enable, targeted, sustained and prolonged release of drugs while simultaneously reducing the side effects posed by them. In light of this, folic acid-conjugated 5-Fluorouracil and doxorubicin loaded chitosan/Fe₃O₄ (FA-dual@CS/Fe₃O₄) nanocomposite has been synthesized using the chemical method for targeted breast cancer therapy in addition to CS/FeO and dual drug encapsulated CS/FeO. FTIR and XPS studies confirm the successful drug encapsulation and FA conjugation.

Adipose tissue derived stromal cells in a gelatin-based 3D matrix with exclusive ascorbic acid signalling emerged as a novel neural tissue engineering construct: an innovative prototype for soft tissue.

The current study investigated a triad, which comprises of adipose tissue derived stem cells isolated from infrapatellar fat pad and gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based matrix with exclusive ascorbic acid signalling. Though, the bio-mechanical properties of the gelatin-PVA blended scaffolds in wet condition are equivalent to the ECM of soft tissues in general, in this study, the triad was tested as a model for neural tissue engineering. Apart from being cytocompatible and biocompatible, the porosity of the scaffold has been designed in such a manner that it facilitates the cell signalling and enables the exchange of nutrients and gases.

CS/Au/MWCNT nanohybrid as an efficient carrier for the sustained release of 5-FU and a study of its cytotoxicity on MCF-7.

The chemical reduction method has been used to adeptly synthesize a CS/Au/MWCNT nanocomposite, to be used as a carrier for the effectual delivery of the anticancer drug 5-Fluorouracil. The work aims at utilizing the less investigated ternary nanocomposite system containing chitosan (CS), gold (Au) and MWCNT's to attain higher encapsulation efficiency and to enable a more sustained and prolonged release of 5-FU. This system has improved cytotoxicity when compared to the CS/Au binary system.

Synthesis and spectral characterization of silver embedded chitosan matrix nanocomposite for the selective colorimetric sensing of toxic mercury.

Polymer matrix type chitosan-silver nanocomposite containing different weight percentage of silver was synthesized by the chemical method. HRTEM images confirm the embedment of silver in the chitosan matrix. The binding of silver to the NH2 and OH groups of chitosan is evident from XPS and FTIR studies.