https://ojs.acad-pub.com/index.php/NMM/issue/feed 2025-01-10T08:22:07+00:00 Managing Editor roosa.poh@acad-pub.net Open Journal Systems <p><em>Nano and Medical Materials</em>&nbsp;(NMM) is an international, peer-reviewed journal presenting novel, significant, and interdisciplinary theoretical and experimental results related to nanoscience, nanotechnology, and any materials available in medicine.&nbsp;</p> https://ojs.acad-pub.com/index.php/NMM/article/view/2119 2025-01-10T08:22:07+00:00 Cletus Anes Ukwubile doccletus@yahoo.com Otalu Otalu Jr otalu_202@yahoo.com Semen Ibrahim Gangpete gangpetesemen@yahoo.com

<p>Metastatic colon cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with increasing evidence linking microbial infections, such as <em>Klebsiella pneumoniae</em>, to cancer progression. This study focuses on the development of <i>Nigella sativa</i> (black seed) extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (NS-CNPs) as a targeted therapeutic approach against <em>K. pneumoniae</em>-induced metastatic colon cancer. NS-CNPs were synthesized using ionic gelation, yielding nanoparticles with an average size of <strong>140 ± 5 nm</strong>, a polydispersity index (PDI) of <strong>0.23 ± 0.02</strong>, and an encapsulation efficiency of <strong>85.7 ± 4.3%</strong>. Morphological analysis confirmed their spherical shape. The NS-CNPs exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy against <em>K. pneumoniae</em> (zone of inhibition <strong>22.00 ± 2.5 mm</strong>) compared to the crude extract (zone of inhibition <strong>12.3 ± 0.1 mm</strong>), highlighting improved bioavailability and targeted delivery. Cytotoxicity studies on colon cancer cell lines showed a significant reduction in cell viability (<strong>IC₅₀ = 0.16 ± 0.01 µg/mL</strong>), accompanied by modulation of key cancer biomarkers such as TNF-<i>α</i> with values of 12.50 <strong>± 1.2 and 13.70 ± 1.5 pg/mL</strong>. The treatment elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels by <strong>48%</strong>, increased caspase-3 and Bax expression by <strong>2.5-fold</strong><b> </b>and <strong>1.8-fold</strong>, respectively, while reducing anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression by <strong>40%</strong>. These effects indicate oxidative stress induction and apoptosis activation. Furthermore, NS-CNPs suppressed tumor-promoting pathways and enhanced pro-apoptotic mechanisms, demonstrating dual antibacterial and anticancer functionalities. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of NS-CNPs as a novel nanoplatform for combating <em>K. pneumoniae</em>-associated metastatic colon cancer, paving the way for integrative strategies in cancer treatment that address both microbial and tumorigenic factors.</p>

2025-01-10T08:19:23+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Cletus Anes Ukwubile, Otalu Otalu Jr, Semen Ibrahim Gangpete