Early cancer detection using the fluorescent Ashwagandha chitosan nanoparticles combined with near-infrared light diffusion characterization: in vitro study

Sep 24, 2026

Early cancer diagnosis is advanced by characterizing light propagation alongside nanotechnology to support improved survival outcomes. This in vitro study evaluates how natural Ashwagandha chitosan nanoparticles influence cancer therapy and diagnosis. Ash C NPs were synthesized by ionic gelation and characterized with TEM, DLS, and zeta potential, while FTIR assessed Ash CNPs, chitosan, and extract. Light diffusion and fluence rate on cell surfaces were reconstructed via Monte-Carlo and finite element methods using diffuse equations under NIR irradiation, with fluorescence and MTT cytotoxicity guiding differentiation of colon cancer and normal cells.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Keywords

Introduction

Colon cancer burden and early detection

Limitations of conventional contrast agents

Nanoparticles for theranostics and imaging

Ashwagandha and chitosan as natural materials

Nanoparticle synthesis rationale and stability

Chitosan regulatory and functional properties

Lasers in Medical Science (2023) 38:37 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-022-03678-x](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-022-03678-x) Early cancer detection using the fluorescent Ashwagandhachitosan nanoparticles combined with near‑infrared light diffusion characterization: in vitro study Hala S. Abuelmakarem1,2 · Omnia Hamdy2 · Mahmoud A. Sliem3,5 · Jala El‑Azab2 · Wafaa A. Ahmed4 Received: 5 May 2022 / Accepted: 18 October 2022 / Published online: 11 January 2023 © The Author(s) 2023 Abstract Early cancer diagnosis through characterizing light propagation and nanotechnology increases the survival rate. The present research is aimed at evaluating the consequence of using natural nanoparticles in cancer therapy and diagnosis. Colon cancer cells were differentiated from the normal cells via investigating light diffusion combined with the fluorescence effect of the Ashwagandha chitosan nanoparticles (Ash C NPs) . Ionic gelation technique synthesized the Ash C NPs. High-resolution transmission electron microscope, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential characterized Ash C NPs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyzed Ash CNPs, chitosan, and Ashwagandha root water extract. Moreover, the MTT assay evaluated the cytotoxicity of Ash C NPs under the action of near-infrared light (NIR) irradiation. The MTT assay outcomes were statistically analyzed by Bonferroni post hoc multiple two-group comparisons using one-way variance analysis (ANOVA) . Based on the Monte-Carlo simulation technique, the spatially resolved steady-state diffusely reflected light from the cancerous and healthy cells is acquired. The diffuse equation reconstructed the optical fluence rate using the finite element technique. The fluorescent effect of the nanoparticles was observed when the cells were irradiated with NIR. The MTT assay revealed a decrease in the cell viability under the action of Ash C NPs with and without laser irradiation. Colon cancer and normal cells were differentiated based on the optical characterization after laser irradiation. The light diffusion equation was successfully resolved for the fluence rate on cells’ surfaces showing different normal and cancer cells values. Ash C NPs appeared its fluorescent effect in the presence of NIR laser. Keywords Colon cancer · NIR laser · Ashwagandha chitosan nanoparticles, Light diffusion * Hala S. Abuelmakarem [h.saad@sha.edu.eg](h.saad@sha.edu.eg) 1 System and Biomedical Engineering Department, The Higher Institute of Engineering, El Shoruk Academy, El-Shorouk, Egypt 2 Department of Engineering Applications of Lasers, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES), Cairo University, Giza Governorate, Giza 12613, Egypt 3 Department of Laser Applications in Metrology, Photochemistry and Agriculture (LAMPA), National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILE), Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt 4 Cancer Biology Department, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt 5 Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, Al-Ula, Medina, Saudi Arabia Introduction Colon cancer is a prevalent cause of death internationally. It is characterized by abnormal growth of precancerous polyps causing colorectal cancer in the colon or rectum [1] . According to the disease control and prevention centers, about 53 k colon cancer deaths were recorded in 2021 [2] . However, early tumor detection increases the healing probabilities and advances tumor management according to the cancer stage. Early screening tests can detect colorectal cancer at its initial stage and advance the healing levels [3] . Medical screening technology plays a chief role in early cancer detection to enhance the therapeutic chances and decrease the mortality rate [4]. The traditional contrast agents (luminescent materials such as quantum dots and organic dyes) utilized in cancer detection have some limitations compared with natural nanophotonic

FAQs

What is the main goal of the study?

To evaluate the consequence of using fluorescent Ashwagandha chitosan nanoparticles, combined with near-infrared light, for early cancer detection and therapy support in vitro.

How were the Ashwagandha chitosan nanoparticles prepared and characterized?

Ash C NPs were synthesized using the ionic gelation technique and characterized using TEM, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and FTIR.

How did the researchers differentiate colon cancer cells from normal cells?

They combined NIR irradiation with fluorescence observation and optical light diffusion characterization, reconstructing the diffuse fluence rate on cell surfaces and using MTT results to assess cytotoxicity.

Sep 24, 2026

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