Bio-degradable electrospun nanofibers encompassing dioxidovanadium benzimidazole compounds as potential drug delivery systems for diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Insulin-mimetic organovanadium compounds: cis-[VO₂(Hpybz)(pybz)] (1) (Hpybz = 2-pyridyl-1H-benzimidazole) and cis-[VO₂(obz)py] (2) (Hobz = 2-hydroxyphenyl-1H-benzimidazole and py = pyridine) were encapsulated in biodegradable electrospun nanofibres (ENFs) comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS). Morphological features and elemental compositions of the unconjugated and metal complex-ENFs adducts were investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs, which were accompanied by electron-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra. Solid-state infrared and powder X-ray diffraction spectral analysis showed that the metal complexes are largely confined within the nano-confined polymeric strands. Intracellular uptake studies revealed sustained vanadium uptake in Caco-2 cells, indicating improved intestinal support. Cell viability studies revealed no significant toxicity across the tested concentrations in HepG2 and C2C12 cells, whilst in vitro glucose utilization assays showed a noteworthy enhancement in cellular glucose uptake, consistent with insulin-mimetic activity. ENFs loaded with complex 1 showed superior glucose-lowering potential.