Chitosan Nanoparticles-Insight into Properties,Functionalization and Applications in Drug Delivery and Theranostics

Nanotechnology-based development of drug delivery systems is an attractive area of research in formulation driven R&D laboratories that makes administration of new and complex drugs feasible. It plays a significant role in the design of novel dosage forms by attributing target specific drug delivery, controlled drug release, improved, patient friendly drug regimen and lower side effects. Polysaccharides, especially chitosan, occupy an important place and are widely used in nano drug delivery systems owing to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. This review focuses on chitosan nanoparticles and envisages to provide an insight into the chemistry, properties, drug release mechanisms, preparation techniques and the vast evolving landscape of diverse applications across disease categories leading to development of better therapeutics and superior clinical outcomes. It summarizes recent advancement in the development and utility of functionalized chitosan in anticancer therapeutics, cancer immunotherapy, theranostics and multistage delivery systems.     

Novel nanoparticles composed of chitosan and β-cyclodextrin derivatives as potential insoluble drug carrier

This research was aim to develop novel cyclodextrin/chitosan(CD/CS) nanocarriers for insoluble drug delivery through the mild ionic gelation method previously developed by our lab. A series of different bcyclodextrin(β-CD) derivatives were incorporated into CS nanoparticles including hydroxypropyl-bcyclodextrin(HP-β-CD), sulphobutylether-β-cyclodextrin(SB-β-CD), and 2,6-di-O-methy-β-cyclodextrin(DM-β-CD). Various process parameters for nanoparticle preparation and their effects on physicochemical properties of CD/CS nanoparticles were investigated, such as the type of CD derivatives,CD and CS concentrations, the mass ratio of CS to TPP(CS/TPP), and p H values. In the optimal condition,CD/CS nanoparticles were obtained in the size range of 215–276 nm and with the zeta potential from30.22 m V to 35.79 m V. Moreover, the stability study showed that the incorporation of CD rendered the CD/CS nanocarriers more stable than CS nanoparticles in PBS buffer at p H 6.8. For their easy preparation and adjustable parameters in nanoparticle formation as well as the diversified hydrophobic core of CD derivatives, the novel CD/CS nanoparticles developed herein might represent an interesting and versatile drug delivery platform for a variety of poorly water-soluble drugs with different physicochemical properties.     

Preparation of uniform-sized pH-sensitive quaternized chitosan microsphere by combining membrane emulsification technique and thermal-gelation method

In this study, uniform-sized pH-sensitive quaternized chitosan microsphere was prepared by combining Shirasu porous glass (SPG) membrane emulsification technique and a novel thermal-gelation method. In this preparation process, the mixture of quaternized chitosan solution and alpha-beta-glycerophosphate (alpha-beta-GP) was used as water phase and dispersed in oil phase to form uniform W/O emulsion by SPG membrane emulsification technique. The droplets solidified into microspheres at 37 degrees C by thermal-gelation method. The whole process was simple and mild. The influence of process conditions on the property of prepared microspheres was investigated and the optimized preparation condition was obtained. As a result, the coefficient of variation (C.V.) of obtained microspheres diameters was below 15%. The obtained microsphere had porous structure and showed apparent pH-sensitivity. It dissolved rapidly in acid solution (pH 5) and kept stable in neutral solution (pH 7.4). The pH-sensitivity of microspheres also affected its drug release behavior. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model drug was encapsulated in microspheres, and it was released rapidly in acid solution and slowly in neutral medium. The novel quaternized chitosan microspheres with pH-sensitivity can be used as drug delivery system in the biomedical field, such as tumor-targeted drug carrier.     

栓塞型新型微包纳药物控释载体的制备及性能

为了抑制药物的突释效应, 减缓药物的释放速率, 实现不同药物的空间分配及顺序释放, 采用乳化法结合高压静电液滴法, 制备了内部包埋有几丁聚糖/海藻酸钙纳米囊的聚精氨酸/几丁聚糖/海藻酸盐微包纳体系(Nano-in-micro drug delivery system, NiM). 通过荧光标记的方法证实了“微包纳”结构并考察了NiM的理化性能. 以牛血清白蛋白及氟尿嘧啶作为药物模型, 考察了聚精氨酸/几丁聚糖/海藻酸盐微包纳体系对单一蛋白类药物和负载两种药物的缓释性能并进行了动力学模型拟合. 结果表明, Ritger-Peppas模型能够较好地模拟该溶胀控释系统的药物释放过程, 与实验结果比较吻合. 同时也证明了该新型载体体系具有无突释、释放速率减缓及顺序释放的功能, 为新型药物载体体系的研究提供了新的思路.     

Preparation and Characterization of a Novel Drug Delivery System: Biodegradable Nanoparticles in Thermosensitive Chitosan/Gelatin Blend Hydrogels

A novel injectable in situ gelling drug delivery system (DDS) consisting of biodegradable N-(2-hydroxyl) propyl-3-trimethyl ammonium chitosan chloride (HTCC) nanoparticles and thermosensitive chitosan/gelatin blend hydrogels was developed for prolonged and sustained controlled drug release. Four different HTCC nanoparticles, prepared based on ionic process of HTCC and oppositely charged molecules such as sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium alginate and carboxymethyl chitosan, were incorporated physically into thermosensitive chitosan/gelatin blend solutions to form the novel DDSs. Resulting DDSs interior morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The effect of nanoparticles composition on both the gel process and the gel strength was investigated from which possible hydrogel formation mechanisms were inferred. Finally, bovine serum albumin (BSA), used as a model protein drug, was loaded into four different HTCC nanoparticles to examine and compare the effects of controlled release of these novel DDSs. The results showed that BSA could be sustained and released from these novel DDSs and the release rate was affected by the properties of nanoparticle: the slower BSA release rate was observed from DDS containing nanoparticles with a positive charge than with a negative charge. The described injectable drug delivery systems might have great potential application for local and sustained delivery of protein drugs.     

A Versatile Method to Prepare Protein Nanoclusters for Drug Delivery

Nanocarriers based on natural biomaterials such as peptides and proteins have shown great advantages in the field of nanomedicine. However, the complicated preparation process and possible denaturation of proteins may limit their further applications. Herein, a novel method is developed to prepare protein nanocluster drug delivery system based on the self‐aggregated property of proteins under the isoelectric point condition. The crosslinked protein nanoclusters, prepared by adding modified natural crosslinking agent polysaccharide, exhibit excellent stability and autofluorescent property in physiological conditions. Hemoglobin, a model protein, is chosen for preparation of drug‐loaded nanoclusters. The as‐prepared nanoclusters demonstrate a pH‐responsive drug release behavior and can successfully deliver drugs into cancer cells. Moreover, this approach can be extended to various proteins, exemplifying the universal applicability of our new preparation method for protein‐based nanoparticles.     

Elaboration of chitosan-coated nanoparticles loaded with curcumin for mucoadhesive applications

Polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles decorated with a mucoadhesive polysaccharide chitosan (CS) containing curcumin were developed aiming the buccal delivery of this drug. These nanoparticles were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method using different molar masses and concentrations of chitosan and concentrations of triblock surfactant poloxamer (PEO-PPO-PEO), in order to optimize the preparation conditions. Chitosan-coated nanoparticles showed positive surface charge and a mean particle radius ranging between 114 and 125 nm, confirming the decoration of the nanoparticles with the mucoadhesive polymer, through hydrogen bonds between ether and amino groups from PEO and CS, respectively. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) studies at different scattering angles and concentrations have shown that the nanoparticles are monodisperse (polydispersity indices were lower than 0.3). The nanoparticle systems were also examined with Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), and the results were in good agreement with those obtained by DLS. Colloidal systems showed mean drug content about 460 μg/mL and encapsulation efficiency higher than 99%. Finally, when coated with chitosan, these nanoparticles show a great ability to interact with mucin indicating also their suitability for mucoadhesive applications.     

The effect of the molecular weight of chitosan nanoparticles and its application on drug delivery

Nanoparticulate drug delivery systems offer several advantages over conventional forms of dosing, with polymer nanoparticles prepared from biomaterials being good candidates for use in drug delivery. We selected fluorouracil (5FU) as a model drug because it has been suggested that chitosan might prevent the side effects induced by 5FU. We have exploited the complexation between oppositely charged macromolecules to develop a safe and efficient method of preparation of chitosan bead formulations for use as drug delivery systems. In this study, we examined the effect that the molecular weight of chitosan had on the resulting nanoparticles' properties; the initial concentration of chitosan was held constant, but its molecular weight was decreased through the action of NaNO₂. FTIR spectroscopy suggested that no structural change occurred during the depolymerization process. The diameters of the nanoparticles—determined using dynamic light scattering and TEM techniques—decreased as the value of the viscosity of molecular weight (Mv) of chitosan decreased. In addition, we prepared fluorouracil-loaded chitosan nanoparticles and characterized them using NMR spectroscopy. The encapsulation efficiency increased as the value of Mv of chitosan decreased. The particles produced using 55-kDa chitosan had a mean diameter of 70.6 nm and a 66% drug loading.     

Cyclodextrin based novel drug delivery systems

The versatile pharmaceutical material cyclodextrin’s (CDs) are classified into hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and ionic derivatives. By the early 1950s the basic physicochemical characteristics of cyclodextrins had been discovered, since than their use is a practical and economical way to improve the physicochemical and pharmaceutical properties such as solubility, stability, and bioavailability of administered drug molecules. These CDs can serve as multi-functional drug carriers, through the formation of inclusion complex or the form of CD/drug conjugate and, thereby potentially serving as novel drug carriers. This contribution outlines applications and comparative benefits of use of cyclodextrins (CDs) and their derivatives in the design of novel delivery systems like liposomes, microspheres, microcapsules, nanoparticles, cyclodextrin grafted cellulosic fabric, hydrogels, nanosponges, beads, nanogels/nanoassemblies and cyclodextrin-containing polymers. The article also focuses on the ability of CDs to enhance the drug absorption across biological barriers, the ability to control the rate and time profiles of drug release, drug safety, drug stability, and the ability to deliver a drug to targeted site. The article highlight’s on needs, limitations and advantages of CD based delivery systems. CDs, because of their continuing ability to find several novel applications in drug delivery, are expected to solve many problems associated with the delivery of different novel drugs through different delivery routes.     

Biodegradable biocompatible xyloglucan films for various applications

Polysaccharides are known for their film-forming properties which have been intensively investigated for food and non-food applications. Here we have developed a xyloglucan transparent film for various applications especially in controlled release of drugs and cosmetics. The present study evaluated the properties of the composite films of xyloglucan, chitosan and rice starch obtained by the casting/solvent evaporation method. Xyloglucan chitosan blend film shows better mechanical properties. Hydrophobicity and crystallinity of xyloglucan film was increased by blending with chitosan. This was confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies and contact angle measurements. Scanning electron microscopic observations indicated that the xyloglucan chitosan blend films were smooth and homogenous. Thermogravimetric and differential scannining calorimetric analysis showed a high thermal stability and melting temperature of xyloglucan chitosan film compared with others. The swelling properties of the xyloglucan chitosan blend film, studied as a function of pH showed that the sorption ability of the blend film was high at a pH 7.4. This indicates its controlled release property at that pH. Controlled drug release property of the film was studied by using streptomycin as a model drug.     

Recent advances in liposomal nanohybrid cerasomes as promising drug nanocarriers

Liposomes have been extensively investigated as possible carriers for diagnostic or therapeutic agents due to their unique properties. However, liposomes still have not attained their full potential as drug and gene delivery vehicles because of their insufficient morphological stability. Recently, a super-stable and freestanding hybrid liposomal cerasome (partially ceramic- or silica-coated liposome) has drawn much attention as a novel drug delivery system because its atomic layer of polyorganosiloxane surface imparts higher morphological stability than conventional liposomes and its liposomal bilayer structure reduces the overall rigidity and density greatly compared to silica nanoparticles. Cerasomes are more biocompatible than silica nanoparticles due to the incorporation of the liposomal architecture into cerasomes. Cerasomes combine the advantages of both liposomes and silica nanoparticles but overcome their disadvantages so cerasomes are ideal drug delivery systems. The present review will first highlights some of the key advances of the past decade in the technology of cerasome production and then review current biomedical applications of cerasomes, with a view to stimulating further research in this area of study.     

壳聚糖/乙酰半胱氨酸纳米粒子的性质及体外释药性

制备了一种基于壳聚糖/乙酰半胱氨酸偶合物(CS-NAC)的新型巯基纳米粒子并进行了结构表征, 同时对纳米粒子的黏附性、溶胀性和药物释放进行了测试. 结果表明, 纳米粒子具有较小的粒径(140~210 nm)和正的表面电位(19.5~31.7 mV), 胰岛素的载药量达到13%~42%. 这些性质随着巯基含量的变化而变化. 与壳聚糖纳米粒子相比, 巯基壳聚糖纳米粒子表现出了更强更快的黏附性质. 体外释放研究结果表明, 巯基壳聚糖纳米粒子的胰岛素释放具有pH响应性. 在pH=6.8时, 15 min即能释放58.6 %的胰岛素; 而在pH=5.4时, 24 h内仅有不到40%的胰岛素被释放. 因此, CS-NAC纳米粒子用于胰岛素的黏膜给药体系具有很好的应用前景.     

Emulsion Techniques for the Production of Pharmacological Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles have the advantages over micron‐sized particles to typically provide higher intracellular uptake and drug bioavailability. Emulsion techniques are commonly used methods for producing nanoparticles aiming at high encapsulation efficiency, high stability, and low toxicity. Here, the recent developments of nanoparticles prepared from emulsions, the synthesis of nanoparticles, their physicochemical properties, and their biomedical applications are discussed. Selection of techniques, such as emulsion polymerization, miniemulsion polymerization, microemulsion polymerization, and emulsion‐solvent evaporation processes, strongly influences morphologies, size distributions, and particle properties. Details in the synthetic strategies governing the performance of nanoparticles in bioimaging, biosensing, and drug delivery are presented. Benefits and limitations of molecular imaging techniques are also discussed.     

Evaluation of Stability of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles and Their Further Formulation in Tablet Form

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles have been widely investigated as drug delivery systems. The present study evaluated physical stability of indomethacin loaded mesoporous MCM-41 nanoparticles. The size, polydispersity index, zeta-potential, and drug loading degree of nanoparticles were determined immediately after their preparation and after 6 months storage at 25°C in dry state. The results showed insignificant changes in these parameters, suggesting high stability of nanoparticles and loaded indomethacin. The nanoparticles were formulated in tablets by direct compression. The low friability indicated good resistance during handling and storage. The formulation of the nanoparticles into tablets decreased the initial release of indomethacin.     

Optimization of Biocompatibility for a Hydrophilic Biological Molecule Encapsulation System

Despite considerable advances in recent years, challenges in delivery and storage of biological drugs persist and may delay or prohibit their clinical application. Though nanoparticle-based approaches for small molecule drug encapsulation are mature, encapsulation of proteins remains problematic due to destabilization of the protein. Reverse micelles composed of decylmonoacyl glycerol (10MAG) and lauryldimethylamino-N-oxide (LDAO) in low-viscosity alkanes have been shown to preserve the structure and stability of a wide range of biological macromolecules. Here, we present a first step on developing this system as a future platform for storage and delivery of biological drugs by replacing the non-biocompatible alkane solvent with solvents currently used in small molecule delivery systems. Using a novel screening approach, we performed a comprehensive evaluation of the 10MAG/LDAO system using two preparation methods across seven biocompatible solvents with analysis of toxicity and encapsulation efficiency for each solvent. By using an inexpensive hydrophilic small molecule to test a wide range of conditions, we identify optimal solvent properties for further development. We validate the predictions from this screen with preliminary protein encapsulation tests. The insight provided lays the foundation for further development of this system toward long-term room-temperature storage of biologics or toward water-in-oil-in-water biologic delivery systems.     

One‐Step Preparation of Multifunctional Chitosan Microspheres by a Simple Sonochemical Method

Chitosan is a biodegradable natural polymer with great potential for pharmaceutical applications due to its biocompatibility, high charge density, nontoxicity, and mucoadhesion properties. Processing techniques for the preparation of chitosan microspheres have been extensively developed since the 1980s. The present paper describes for the first time a fast and one‐step process for the preparation of stable chitosan microspheres by a simple sonochemical method. The microspheres were characterized by their particle size, surface morphology, stability, and drug‐entrapment efficiency. The average size of the microspheres was found to be around 1 μm with a narrow size distribution, which enabled them to be used for in vivo applications. The encapsulation of different dyes into these microspheres was readily achieved with more than 75 % efficacy by dissolving them into the organic phase before sonication. The chitosan microspheres demonstrated excellent stability toward acidic and basic conditions ranging from pH 4 to 9, thereby indicating their implementation as possible therapeutic and diagnostic agents. The stability of these microspheres appears to be contributed from intermolecular imine cross‐linking in addition to other noncovalent interactions. The ability of the surface‐exposed amino groups of chitosan microspheres to undergo chemical conjugation with potential drugs and/or targeting vectors was determined by their reaction with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and fluorescamine followed by confocal microscopy.     

Gold nanoparticles enhance the anti-leukemia action of a 6-mercaptopurine chemotherapeutic agent

6-mercaptopurine and its riboside derivatives are some of the most widely utilized anti-leukemic and anti-inflammatory drugs. Their short biological half-life and severe side effects limit their use. A new delivery method for these drugs based on 4-5 nm gold nanoparticles can potentially resolve these issues. We have found substantial enhancement of the antiproliferative effect against K-562 leukemia cells of Au nanoparticles bearing 6-mercaptopurine-9-beta-d-ribofuranoside compared to the same drug in typically administered free form. The improvement was attributed to enhanced intracellular transport followed by the subsequent release in lysosomes. Enhanced activity and nanoparticle carriers will make possible the reduction of the overall concentration of the drug, renal clearance, and, thus, side effects. The nanoparticles with mercaptopurine also showed excellent stability over 1 year without loss of inhibitory activity.     

基于壳聚糖的纳米药物传递体系

壳聚糖作为天然高分子材料,不仅安全无毒、而且具有良好的生物相容性、可生物降解性等优点,在药物传递领域作为纳米载体倍受关注。壳聚糖基纳米载体材料制备条件简单温和,近年来,其相关研究也颇为新颖。本文以载体形成的驱动力作为切入点,从共价交联、离子相互作用、聚电解质络合物和疏水改性四个方面,总结不同种类壳聚糖基纳米载体的构筑方法,同时介绍该载体对药物传递中载药量、载药率、释放行为以及细胞毒性等方面的影响,在此基础上展望其未来的应用前景。     

Tofu-inspired microcarriers from droplet microfluidics for drug delivery

Microcarriers have attracted increasing interests in drug delivery. In order to develop this technique, it is prone to focus on the generation of functional particles through using simple approaches and novel but accessible materials. Here, inspired by the formation mechanism of tofu that through the mixing of soymilk and brine for cross-linking soybean proteins, we present novel soybean protein microcarriers by using microfluidic generation approach for drug delivery. Since the soybean protein droplets are generated by microfluidic emulsification method, the tofu microparticles present highly monodisperse and homogeneous morphologies. Because of the excellent biocompatibility of the soybean protein and the interconnected porous structures throughout the whole microparticles after freeze-drying, various kinds of drugs and active molecules could be absorbed and loaded in the microcarriers, which makes them versatile for drug delivery. It can be anticipated that the microfluidic-generated tofu microcarriers will have great potential in the biomedical field.