Synthesis and Evaluation of Gelatin-Chitosan Biofilms Incorporating Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and 5-Fluorouracil for Cancer Treatment

In this study, a novel multifunctional biofilm was fabricated using a straightforward casting process. The biofilm comprised gelatin, chitosan, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-conjugated zinc oxide nanoparticles, and polyvinyl alcohol plasticized with glycerol. The 5-FU-conjugated nanoparticles were synthesized via a single-step co-precipitation process, offering a unique approach. Characterization confirmed successful drug conjugation, revealing bar-shaped nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 90 to 100 nm. Drug release kinetics followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, indicating controlled release behavior. Maximum swelling ratio studies of the gelatin-chitosan film showed pH-dependent characteristics, highlighting its versatility. Comprehensive analysis using SEM, FT-IR, Raman, and EDX spectra confirmed the presence of gelatin, chitosan, and 5-FU/ZnO nanoparticles within the biofilms. These biofilms exhibited non-cytotoxicity to human fibroblasts and significant anticancer activity against skin cancer cells, demonstrating their potential for biomedical applications. This versatility positions the 5-FU/ZnO-loaded sheets as promising candidates for localized topical patches in skin and oral cancer treatment, underscoring their practicality and adaptability for therapeutic applications.