Dual-Action Gemcitabine Delivery: Chitosan–Magnetite–Zeolite Capsules for Targeted Cancer Therapy and Antibacterial Defense

Yuly Andrea Guarín-González*, Gerardo Cabello-Guzmán, José Reyes-Gasga, Yanko Moreno-Navarro, Luis Vergara-González, Antonia Martin-Martín, Rodrigo López-Muñoz, Galo Cárdenas-Triviño, Luis F. Barraza*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Cancer and infectious diseases are two of the world’s major public health problems. Gemcitabine (GEM) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent against several types of cancer. In this study, we developed macrocapsules incorporating GEM into a chitosan matrix blended with magnetite and zeolite by ionic gelation. Physicochemical characterization was performed using HRTEM-ED, XRD, FESEM–EDS, FT-IR, TGA, encapsulation efficiency (%E.E.), and release profiles at pHs 7.4 and 5.0. Cell viability tests against A549 and H1299 cell lines, and microbiological properties against staphylococcal strains were performed. Our results revealed the successful production of hemispherical capsules with an average diameter of 1.22 mm, a rough surface, and characteristic FT-IR material interaction bands. The macrocapsules showed a high GEM encapsulation efficiency of over 86% and controlled release over 24 h. Cell viability assays revealed that similar cytotoxic effects to free GEM were achieved with a 45-fold lower GEM concentration, suggesting reduced dosing requirements and potentially fewer side effects. Additionally, the macrocapsules demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity, reducing Staphylococcus epidermidis growth by over 90%. These results highlight the macrocapsules dual role as a chemotherapeutic and antimicrobial agent, offering a promising strategy for treating lung cancer in patients at risk of infectious diseases or who are immunosuppressed.

Translated title of the contributionAdministración de gemcitabina de doble acción: cápsulas de quitosano, magnetita y zeolita para terapia dirigida contra el cáncer y defensa antibacteriana
Original languageEnglish
Article number672
Pages (from-to)1-20
Number of pages20
JournalGels
Volume10
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 by the authors.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Biomaterials
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dual-Action Gemcitabine Delivery: Chitosan–Magnetite–Zeolite Capsules for Targeted Cancer Therapy and Antibacterial Defense'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this