Development and in vitro evaluation of chitosan nanoparticles encapsulating Phoenix dactylifera L. (Ajwah) seed extract with supporting in silico molecular docking analysis

This research describes the engineering of chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) via ionic gelation to I'm double or somethingencapsulate Ajwah seed extract (ASE), repurposing a plant waste product for its documented antioxidant and anticancer potential. Physicochemical analysis confirmed the formation of stable nanoparticles with hydrodynamic diameters between 152.3 and 254.93 nm and a smaller primary core size (≈68.87 nm) observed via transmission electron microscopy. The CS−ASE2 formulation (1:5 w/w) was deemed optimal due to its superior encapsulation efficiency and drug loading. Functional evaluation revealed a 1.2‐fold enhancement in the extract's antioxidant activity upon encapsulation. Release kinetics displayed a non‐Fickian profile, indicating a sustained and controlled delivery of ASE. The chitosan nanoparticles encapsulating Ajwah seed extract (CS/ASE NPs) also a demonstrates notable selective toxicity on cancer cell lines showing IC50 values on human colorectal cancer (HCT‐116)—233 μg/mL, breast cancer (MCF‐7)—351 μg/mL, and prostate cancer (PC‐3) cell lines—478 μg/mL. In contrast, their effect on normal human cells (HFB‐4) was weaker (IC 50  = 749.4 μg/mL), indicating selectivity toward cancer cells. These findings suggest that CS/ASE NPs have strong potential as an alternative anticancer treatment.

• Publication year

  2026

• Venue

  Food Biomacromolecules

• Publication date

  2026-01-29

• Fields of study

  Not labeled

• Identifiers
  DOI 10.1002/fob2.70041
• External record

  Open on Semantic Scholar

• Source metadata

  Semantic Scholar

• No claims are published for this paper.

• No concepts are published for this paper.

• Overcoming cancer drug resistance: insights into Apoptotic pathway modulation by plant-based nanoparticle and natural products

  2025cited by this paper
• Nanotechnology in cancer treatment: revolutionizing strategies against drug resistance

  2025cited by this paper
• The use of medicinal plants by cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: A cross-sectional study at a referral oncology hospital in Morocco.

  2025cited by this paper
• Enhancement of EPR Effect for Passive Tumor Targeting: Current Status and Future Perspectives

  2025cited by this paper
• Unveiling the effect of natural deep eutectic solvents-based date seed polyphenolic extract on the properties of chitosan-PVA films and its application in shrimp packaging.

  2024cited by this paper
• Elaboration of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with star anise extract as a therapeutic system for lung cancer: Physicochemical and biological evaluation.

  2024cited by this paper
• Novel Nanoaggregates from Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) for Inhalational Management of Cystic Fibrosis Using Dry Powder Inhalers

  2023cited by this paper
• Chemical Composition and Antioxidant, Antiviral, Antifungal, Antibacterial and Anticancer Potentials of Opuntia ficus-indica Seed Oil

  2022cited by this paper
• Advances in Stigmasterol on its anti-tumor effect and mechanism of action

  2022cited by this paper
• Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of pH-sensitive doxorubicin-loaded functionalized graphene oxide in osteosarcoma cells

  2022cited by this paper
• Heterocyclic Compounds as Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitors with Special Emphasis on Oxadiazoles as Potent Anti-Diabetic Agents

  2022cited by this paper
• Medicinal plants with anti-colorectal cancer bioactive compounds: Potential game-changers in colorectal cancer management.

  2022cited by this paper
• Antibacterial and antioxidant properties of Cichorium intybus extract embedded in chitosan nanocomposite nanofibers.

  2022cited by this paper
• Nanocomposite hydrogels for melanoma skin cancer care and treatment: In-vitro drug delivery, drug release kinetics and anti-cancer activities

  2021cited by this paper
• Applying Box–Behnken Design for Formulation and Optimization of PLGA-Coffee Nanoparticles and Detecting Enhanced Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities

  2021cited by this paper
• Drug Release Profiles of Mitomycin C Encapsulated Quantum Dots–Chitosan Nanocarrier System for the Possible Treatment of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

  2021cited by this paper
• Plant Byproducts as Part of Edible Coatings: A Case Study with Parsley, Grape and Blueberry Pomace

  2021cited by this paper
• Separation, structural characteristics and biological activity of lactic acid bacteria exopolysaccharides separated by aqueous two-phase system

  2021cited by this paper
• Green tea essential oil encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles-based radiopharmaceutical as a new trend for solid tumor theranosis.

  2021cited by this paper
• Fabrication and characterization of thiophanate methyl/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex nanofibers by electrospinning

  2021cited by this paper
• Noyes-Whitney Dissolution Model-Based pH-Sensitive Slow Release of Paclitaxel (Taxol) from Human Hair-Derived Keratin Microparticle Carriers

  2021cited by this paper
• Chitosan Nanocarrier Entrapping Hydrophilic Drugs as Advanced Polymeric System for Dual Pharmaceutical and Cosmeceutical Application: A Comprehensive Analysis Using Box-Behnken Design

  2021cited by this paper
• Preparation methods and applications of chitosan nanoparticles; with an outlook toward reinforcement of biodegradable packaging

  2021cited by this paper
• Formulation and Characterization of gallic acid and quercetin chitosan nanoparticles for sustained release in treating Colorectal Cancer

  2020cited by this paper
• Flavonoids as Anticancer Agents

  2020cited by this paper
• Fructo-oligosaccharides production by an Aspergillus aculeatus commercial enzyme preparation with fructosyltransferase activity covalently immobilized on Fe3O4-chitosan-magnetic nanoparticles.

  2020cited by this paper
• Essential oil loaded pectin/chitosan nanoparticles preparation and optimization via Box–Behnken design against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines

  2020cited by this paper
• Preparation and Characterization of Coating Based on Protein Nanofibers and Polyphenol and Application for Salted Duck Egg Yolks

  2020cited by this paper
• Stigmasterol Causes Ovarian Cancer Cell Apoptosis by Inducing Endoplasmic Reticulum and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

  2020cited by this paper
• Antitumoral Drug: Loaded Hybrid Nanocapsules Based on Chitosan with Potential Effects in Breast Cancer Therapy

  2020cited by this paper
• An update on β-sitosterol: A potential herbal nutraceutical for diabetic management.

  2020cited by this paper
• β-Sitosterol and Gemcitabine Exhibit Synergistic Anti-pancreatic Cancer Activity by Modulating Apoptosis and Inhibiting Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition by Deactivating Akt/GSK-3β Signaling

  2019cited by this paper
• Comparative study of encapsulated peppermint and green tea essential oils in chitosan nanoparticles: Encapsulation, thermal stability, in-vitro release, antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

  2019cited by this paper
• In Vitro Antifungal and Antivirulence Activities of Biologically Synthesized Ethanolic Extract of Propolis-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles against Candida albicans

  2019cited by this paper
• Mathematical modelling of drug delivery from pH-responsive nanocontainers

  2019cited by this paper
• β-Sitosterol and stigmasterol ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice fed a high fat Western-style diet.

  2017cited by this paper
• Synthesis and characterisation of cross-linked chitosan composites functionalised with silver and gold nanoparticles for antimicrobial applications

  2017cited by this paper
• Antibacterial properties of biologically formed chitosan nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum basilicum

  2016cited by this paper
• Development of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) essential oil for antimicrobial and antioxidant delivery applications

  2016cited by this paper
• Measurement of Antioxidant Activity and Structural Elucidation of Chemical Constituents from Aglaia oligophylla Miq.

  2016cited by this paper
• Alternative Antimicrobial Approach: Nano-Antimicrobial Materials

  2015cited by this paper
• Polymeric nanoparticles encapsulating white tea extract for nutraceutical application.

  2015cited by this paper
• Encapsulation of date palm pit extract via particulation of starch nanocrystals in a microemulsion

  2014cited by this paper
• Plant Sterols as Anticancer Nutrients: Evidence for Their Role in Breast Cancer

  2013cited by this paper
• Two-step method for encapsulation of oregano essential oil in chitosan nanoparticles: preparation, characterization and in vitro release study.

  2013cited by this paper
• FTIR spectroscopy: a new valuable tool to classify the effects of polyphenolic compounds on cancer cells.

  2013cited by this paper
• Encapsulation of Berberine in Nano-Sized PLGA Synthesized by Emulsification Method

  2012cited by this paper
• Antioxidant activities of date pits in a model meat system.

  2012cited by this paper
• Phenolic compound profiles and antioxidant capacity of Persea americana Mill. peels and seeds of two varieties.

  2012cited by this paper
• Characterization of antioxidant chitosan film incorporated with Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil and grape seed extract

  2012cited by this paper
• Poly Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) as Biodegradable Controlled Drug Delivery Carrier.

  2011cited by this paper
• Preparation, characterization and in vitro release study of carvacrol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles.

  2011cited by this paper
• Phytosterols as anticancer dietary components: evidence and mechanism of action.

  2000cited by this paper
• The role of soy products in reducing risk of cancer.

  1991cited by this paper

• No citing papers are available for this paper.