Ulam raja–infused PVA–chitosan hydrogel for localised treatment of colorectal cancer

Mohamad Ansor, Nurhuda and Suppiah, Pavithra and Suhaimi, Nur Nadhirah and Mohd Zaki, Syazwani (2026) Ulam raja–infused PVA–chitosan hydrogel for localised treatment of colorectal cancer. In: Monograf - Inovasi Alam Melayu antarabangsa 2025. Institut Pemikiran Dan Kepimpinan Melayu,Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia, pp. 148-154.

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Abstract

Conventional chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, while effective, is often limited by systemic toxicity and lack of specificity. To address this challenge, we developed a Ulam raja (Cosmos caudatus)-infused polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-chitosan hydrogel designed to deliver localised anticancer effects through sustained release of plant-derived bioactive compounds. The hydrogel was prepared by dissolving PVA and chitosan in distilled water and mixing them thoroughly with a magnetic stirrer until a homogeneous solution was obtained. This solution was then incorporated with ulam raja extract, known for its flavonoid-rich profile with antiproliferative and antimigratory effects against colorectal cancer cells. Morphological structure, physicochemical characteristics and mechanical properties were examined to establish a suitable Ulam raja-infused PVA-chitosan hydrogel as a delivery platform for bioactive substances. Unlike conventional drug delivery systems, this innovation integrates natural anticancer agents with a biodegradable and cost-effective delivery matrix, enabling sitespecific therapeutic action without systemic burden. This platform offers a promising adjunct to current colorectal cancer treatment, particularly in post-chemotherapy care. It benefits patients by reducing recurrence risk, minimising damage to healthy tissue, and improving localised tumour control. Future work will focus on in vivo validation and clinical translation.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Ulam raja, Cosmos caudatus, Hydrogel, Cancer
Subjects:	Q Science > QD Chemistry T Technology > T Technology (General) T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) > TA164 Bioengineering T Technology > TP Chemical technology > TP1080 Polymers, plastics and their manufacture
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering
Depositing User:	Dr Syazwani Mohd Zaki
Date Deposited:	27 Aug 2026 12:36
Last Update:	27 Aug 2026 12:36
Queue Number:	2026-08-Q4932
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/131015

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