Preparation and characterization of carboxymethyl cellulose containing quaternized chitosan for potential drug carrier

The objective of this study was to synthesize and characterize cystamine dihydrochloride (CYS) crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose/quaternized chitosan (CMC/HACC) composite hydrogel film. Firstly, the glycidyl-based quaternary ammonium chitosan derivative (HACC) was synthesized using nucleophilic substitution reaction. Then HACC was analyzed by FTIR, 1HNMR spectra and the composite films at different blending ratio of CMC and HACC were studied by rheology measurement, mechanical and swelling tests. When the composite films were prepared under optimized conditions (CMC: HACC = 7:1), they showed excellent mechanical properties (with improved 93.3% tensile strength and 2.3% elongation at break) and swellability (equilibrium swelling ratio increased 270%) compared to pure CMC film. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) was used as drug model which has broad-spectrum anticancer properties. The 5-FU/CMC/HACC composite films showed redox and pH responsive of drug release properties along with well biocompatibility. The in vitro cytotoxicity and cell apoptosis studies showed the drug loaded composite films with obvious toxicity against HepG2 cells especially in the presence of GSH. In addition, CMC/HACC composite films showed good antibacterial against S. aureus and E. coli, while pure CMC film had no antimicrobial activities. It can be concluded that CMC/HACC composite films can be potentially used as targeted drug delivery system.