Synthesis of hydrogels based on nanocellulose from garlic straw and regulating the release of allicin and its cytotoxicity

Abstract

Allicin is an organosulfur compound found in garlic, which is well known for their anticancer properties, however, its application was limited due to its instability towards light, heat, and alkaline conditions. In order to improve the bioavailability and stability of allicin, allicin was loaded into the garlic straw nanocellulose hydrogels and its physiochemical properties and toxicity towards normal hepatocyte cells (L02) and cancerous cells (HepG2) were evaluated. Initially, garlic straw was used as raw material to extract cellulose (GSC) and the garlic straw nanocellulose (GSNC) with a particle size of 168.0 ± 0.65 nm was prepared. Then, GSNC hydrogels were further prepared. The swelling rate of hydrogels in various medium was also determined. Finally, allicin was loaded into the hydrogels. The results showed that GSNC hydrogels had the porous structure, high pH sensitivity and the swelling rate in simulated intestinal fluid was 3054.24%. The drug loading capacity of allicin was 166.4 mg/g and the entrapment efficiency of allicin in GSNC hydrogel was 83.20%. The release rate of allicin-GSNC hydrogel was the highest in simulated intestinal fluid, and it could release allicin slowly. Moreover, the allicin-GNSC hydrogel were non-toxic towards L02 cells and had obvious toxicity towards HepG2 cells.

The Development of Biocomposite Filaments for 3D Printing by Utilizing a Polylactic Acid (PLA) Polymer Matrix Reinforced with Cocoa Husk Cellulose Fibers

“…The peak at 2920 cm −1 , more prominent in the UCF spectrum, corresponds to the stretching vibrations of C-H from the methyl and methylene groups of lignin and hemicellulose [16,18]. The reduction observed in the TCF indicates the partial removal of these components.…”

Bioavailability, Health Benefits, and Delivery Systems of Allicin: A Review

“…The composite hydrogels exhibited high stability, cumulative release behavior, and an antifungal effect. Gao et al developed a garlic straw nanocellulose (GSNC) based hydrogel with a particle size of 168.0 ± 0.65 nm, a loading capacity of 166.4 mg/g, and an EE of 83.20% . The cell experiment showed that the GSNC hydrogel could help allicin enter the cell membrane, improve its bioavailability, and significantly enhance its inhibition effect on cell proliferation compared to free allicin in HepG2 cells.…”

Evaluation of Starch–Garlic Husk Polymeric Composites through Mechanical, Thermal, and Thermo-Mechanical Tests

“…Garlic waste materials, such as husk, peel, stem, or straw, are materials that do not have an industrial application, despite having interesting properties. Some works report the use of garlic husk (GH) as a source of phenolic compounds [ 27 ], for edible films [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ], and nanocellulose extraction [ 33 ], which are some of the explored options for this waste material. GH is one of the garlic waste materials that is a promising additive for polymer matrices.…”