Importance of new synthesized cellulose nanocrystals from Ferula gummosa via hydrochloric acid and their biomedical application

Importance of new synthesized cellulose nanocrystals from Ferula gummosa via hydrochloric acid and their biomedical application
elahe kamelnia,¹ reyhane kamelnia,² Majid Darroudi,^3,*
1. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2. Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3. Nuclear Medicine Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Introduction: As environmental awareness grows, demand for renewable and natural materials is increasing. Cellulose is the most important natural biopolymer available on Earth. cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are promising nanomaterials with various applications in biomedicine.
Methods: In the present study, CNCs were extracted from ferula gommusa through hydrochloric acid (6 M, 1 h,45 °C). The plant of ferula gummosa has the potential to prevent the complications of diabetes by reducing the oxidative stress in the liver and kidneys. The prepared CNCs were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM).
Results: The FESEM analysis of CNCs shows a semi-spherical shape. The result of XRD shows increase in crystallinity index and also decrease in crystalline size subsequent to the acid treatment. The FTIR confirms that the maximum amount of non-cellulosic materials is removed from roots of ferula gommusa after chemical process. These nanocrystals can be radiolabeled with fluorophores and some radiolabels in order to use them in medical imaging. The results of labeling showed that the most accumulation of CNCs have occurred in the kidneys and then liver which was in accordance with the requirements of this paper. After this, nanoparticles conjugated with ferula gummosa plant compounds in order to affect on kidneys and liver. The results of the ultraviolet absorption spectrum confirm the formation of the complex.
Conclusion: Functional modification of nanocellulose will determine the potential biomedical application for nanocellulose. So, the prepared CNCs from this medicinal plants can be use as antidiabetic agents or a vector in targeted drug delivery for well-being of diabetes.
Keywords: Cellulose nanocrystals; diabetes; radiolabel; ferula gummosa.