Chitosan-Modified Durian Seed Gum as a Bioimaging Agent for Cancer Cells

Abstract

CHITOSAN-MODIFIED DURIAN SEED GUM AS A CANCER CELL BIOIMAGING AGENT This invention relates to a natural polymer material product in the form of polyelectrolyte complex particles composed of durian seed gum and chitosan. The product is made by mixing a solution of durian seed gum and a solution of chitosan to form colloidally stable submicron-sized particles. The particles are responsive to pH changes and exhibit improved kinetic stability and surface characteristics compared to unmodified durian seed gum. The resulting material exhibits intrinsic fluorescence without the addition of external fluorescent agents and has selective activity against cancer cells with high biocompatibility towards normal cells. This invention can be used as a bioimaging material, an intracellular tracking system, a carrier for active compounds, and a supporting material for natural-based cancer therapy.