Breakthrough in Skin Cancer Treatment: Researchers Develop Novel Drug Formulation Using Eco-Friendly Materials

Researchers from NIT-Rourkela have received a patent for developing a groundbreaking drug formulation to treat skin cancer. The drug, formulated using silver nanoparticles extracted from pumpkin petals and sericin - a by-product of silk production, is delivered through a capsule created from chitosan, the outer skeleton of shellfish. This innovative treatment is non-toxic, non-immunogenic, and biodegradable, with highly haemo-compatible properties.

Key Takeaways:

• The researchers developed a novel drug formulation using eco-friendly materials, including silver nanoparticles extracted from pumpkin petals and sericin from silk production.
• The drug is delivered through a capsule created from chitosan, which dissolves in an acidic medium, releasing the active ingredients at the cancer site.
• The formulation is non-toxic, non-immunogenic, and biodegradable, with highly haemo-compatible properties.
• The researchers claim that the nano-formulations can be used to treat skin carcinoma cells, and can be applied in various forms, including ointments, creams, and lotions.
• The formulation has effective drug release and anti-microbial properties, making it suitable for wound healing and suture material applications.

Statistics:

• The researchers conceptualized the study in 2012, aiming to explore the potential of pumpkin petals for synthesising silver nanoparticles.
• The study utilized sericin, a by-product of silk production, for its skin-regenerating potential and anti-cancer properties.
• The chitosan matrix provides the best polymeric material for the onsite release of the drug, which dissolves in the acidic micro-environment around the cancer site.
• The nano-formulations are non-toxic, non-immunogenic, and biodegradable, with highly haemo-compatible properties.

Sources:

• Researchers at NIT-Rourkela, including Bismita Nayak and Debasis Nayak.