Abstract
Chitosan (CS) is a biopolymer offers a wide range in biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity and antimicrobial activity. Syringaldehyde (1) is naturally organic compound characterized by its uses in multiple fields such as pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, textiles and biological applications. Herein, development of chitosan physicochemical and anticancer properties via Schiff base formation from the reaction of chitosan with sustainable eco-friendly syringaldehyde yielded (CS-1) derivative. Moreover, in presence of polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE) or sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) as crosslinkers gave chitosan derivatives (CS-2) and (CS-3NPs) respectively. The chemical structures of new chitosan derivatives are confirmed using different tools. (CS-3NPs) nanoparticle showed improvement in crystallinity, and (CS-2) derivative revealed the highest thermal stability compared to virgin chitosan. The cytotoxicity activity of chitosan and its derivatives is evaluated against HeLa (human cervical carcinoma) and HEp-2 (Human Larynx carcinoma) cell lines. The highest cytotoxicity activity is exhibited by (CS-3NPs) compared to virgin chitosan against HeLa cell growth inhibition and apoptosis of 90.38±1.46% and 30.3% respectively and IC50 of 108.01±3.94 µg/ml. From the above results, it can be concluded that chitosan nanoparticle (CS-3NPs) might be good therapeutic value as a potential antitumor agent against HeLa cancer cell line.