In-vitro assay studies and molecular docking of functionalized chitosan decorated vanadium pentoxide nano-agents as an antidiabetic drug

This study aims to enhance the antidiabetic potential of Vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) by synthesizing chitosan-based nanoparticles (NPs). Chitosan and its derivatives were used to fabricate V₂O₅ NPs, ensuring enhanced antioxidant and antidiabetic activity. Surface topography was analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), revealing bioactive sites on the NPs with improved electron-transfer capability, as confirmed by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Furthermore, NPs were exploited for their possible antioxidant and antidiabetic potency by using different in-vitro assays. Among the fabricated NPs, chitosan-salicylaldehyde decorated V₂O₅ NPs (CHVD₂) exhibited highest antidiabetic activity with 72.69 ± 0.76 % inhibition against α-amylase, 69.15 ± 0.58 % inhibition against α-glucosidase, and glycemic diffusion retardation index (GDRI) of 60.33 ± 0.47 %. Importantly, CHVD₂ did not inhibit the growth of Bifidobacterium bacteria, as shown by disc-diffusion assay and exhibit least cytotoxicity among all NPs as tested on HacaT cell line. Molecular docking studies revealed strong binding interactions between CHVD₂ and the target enzymes, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase supporting its inhibitory potential. This work demonstrates the promising enhanced antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of chitosan-coated V₂O₅ NPs.