Green microfluidic mediated metalloplymer nanocomposites for cancer therapy

Cancer is a major contributor of morbidity and mortality in the world and Pakistan is the second most cancer affected country in Asia. The conventional therapies like surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy often causes many side effects that are consequent to healthy cells and tissue damage. The medicinal plant products contain secondary metabolites like polyphenols and flavonoids that are biodegradable and safe to the human body. The localization of these anticancer plant metabolites can be improved by encapsulating these bioactive components in biodegradable metal-polymer nanocomposites to direct the encapsulated product specifically to cancer cells, thus leaving the normal cells unaffected. In this research project the bioactive components from local medicinal plants are identified, isolated and evaluated for anticancer activities. The microfluidic devices are designed and fabricated for synthesis of nanocomposites, encapsulating the drug in nanocomposites. This research is focused to achieve the size and shape controlled metal-polymer nanocomposites having high encapsulation efficiency by using microfluidic technology and to gain the cancer cells targeted therapy. This controlled nanoformulation will be anticipated to have an effective anti-cancer effect with enhanced bioavailability, biodistribution and cellular uptake of natural bioactive components.

To be updated shortly..