Synthesis, Characterisation, and Biological Assessment of Chromium Oxide Nanoparticles Coated with Chia Seed Mucilage Extract

TL;DR

This study shows that chia seed mucilage can coat chromium oxide nanoparticles, making them biocompatible and effective as antioxidants for pharmaceutical use.

Contribution

The novel use of chia seed mucilage as a natural coating for chromium oxide nanoparticles is demonstrated for the first time.

Findings

Chia mucilage effectively coats chromium oxide nanoparticles, confirmed by XRD, FTIR, and EDS.

Coated nanoparticles showed over 80% free radical scavenging at low concentrations.

Biocompatibility tests showed survival rates above 90% in Artemia salina.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Chromium (III) oxide nanoparticles possess unique chemical properties, making them increasingly valuable in pharmaceutical applications, which had been neglected until the last few years. However, their use requires stable dispersion and surface functionalization to ensure their biocompatibility. This study aimed to synthesise, characterise, and determine the biocompatibility and antioxidant properties of chromium oxide nanoparticles coated with a natural, plant-derived stabilising agent: chia seed mucilage extract. Methods: The synthesised nanoparticles were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and laser diffraction scattering particle size analysis (LD-PSA). Biological and biochemical assessments were conducted by the DPPH and FRAP assays to quantify antioxidant scavenging abilities and the Artemia salina lethality test for preliminary biocompatibility evaluation. Results: XRD, FTIR, and EDS confirmed the successful synthesis of pure chromium oxide NPs (CrNPs) and their effective coating by the chia mucilage (CM) extract. SEM analysis determined that a 4:1 mass ratio (CrNPs to CM) produced the most consistent morphology and narrowest size distribution, yielding spherical particles approximately 50 nm in diameter. LD-PSA confirmed the coating and identified a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 0.110 µm. Biological and biochemical assays showed high antioxidant activity, with over 80% free radical scavenging at concentrations of 250 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL. Furthermore, the biocompatibility assessment showed survival rates above 90% across all tested concentrations. Conclusions: The findings confirm that chia seed mucilage extract can serve as an effective, biocompatible coating agent for chromium (III) oxide nanoparticles. The resulting functionalized particles exhibit exquisite biocompatibility and significant antioxidant potential, supporting their further development for pharmaceutical use.

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