Effect of chitosan and of N-carboxymethylchitosan on intraocular penetration of topically applied ofloxacin

The effects of chitosan hydrochloride (Ch-HCl) and of N-carboxymethylchitosan (CMCh), formulated in ophthalmic solutions, on the ocular pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin were studied in rabbits. The carboxymethylation of a chitosan of high molecular mass (1460 kDa) and deacetylation degree (89.9%) introduced 0.84 N-carboxymethyl groups per repeating unit. Aqueous solutions containing 1% (w/v) of either polymer showed a pseudoplastic rheologic behaviour, and, when instilled in rabbit eyes, produced no irritation. The kinetics of drug disappearance from tear fluid and the profiles of drug concentration in the aqueous humour versus time were determined and interpreted in the light of a pharmacokinetic model and of drug-polymer binding. Ch-HCl significantly enhanced intraocular drug penetration with respect to an isoviscous drug solution containing poly(vinyl alcohol) and to commercial ofloxacin eyedrops. This effect, which resulted in about 190% increase of the peak concentration in the aqueous, was ascribed to an increased corneal permeability. The polyanionic CMCh failed to enhance intraocular drug penetration. It nevertheless increased precorneal drug retention in virtue of its viscosity and of ofloxacin binding. Consequently, the residence time at concentrations higher than the MIC90 and the bioavailability of the antibiotic in the aqueous were increased by about 150 and 240%, respectively, with respect to the reference vehicle.     

Ultrasonication of chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ultrasonication on chitosan molecules and nanoparticles. Molecular weight (M(v)) of chitosan HCl (M(v) 146 kDa and degree of deacetylation (DD) 96%) decreased linearly with increasing duration and amplitude of ultrasonication. DD and FTIR absorption were unaffected. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis suggested greater chain alignment in the ultrasonicated chitosan samples. Chitosan nanoparticles had mean diameter of 382 nm, polydispersity of 0.53 and zeta potential of 47 mV. Ultrasonication administered at increasing duration or amplitude decreased the mean diameter and polydispersity of the nanoparticles. Zeta potential and FTIR absorbance were unaffected, while XRD suggested a greater disarray of chain alignment in the nanoparticle matrix. Under the transmission electron microscope (TEM), freshly prepared nanoparticles were dense spherical structures which became fragmented after ultrasonication for 10 min at amplitude of 80. Untreated nanoparticle formulation turned turbid upon storage for 3 weeks at ambient conditions due to substantial swelling of the nanoparticles. Ultrasonicated nanoparticle formulation remained clear on storage. Although the particles had also swelled, they were no longer spherical, assuming instead an irregular shape with branching arms. In conclusion, high-intensity ultrasonication induced considerable damage on the chitosan nanoparticles which could affect their function as drug carriers.     

离子凝胶法制备水杨酸壳聚糖纳米粒

目的以壳聚糖为载体材料制备水杨酸壳聚糖纳米粒,并对其制备工艺及体系pH值对药物包封率的影响进行考察,初步探讨壳聚糖纳米粒的载药机制。方法以水杨酸为模型药物,采用离子凝胶法制备壳聚糖纳米粒,以包封率及粒径为指标,考察处方因素对纳米粒制备的影响。结果壳聚糖浓度、体系的pH值、药物质量浓度是影响制备工艺的主要因素;体系的pH值可显著提高壳聚糖纳米粒的包封率。结论药物与壳聚糖之间的离子相互作用较弱,并不是纳米粒载药的主要机制。     

RGD-FasL羟乙基壳聚糖缓释纳米粒制备及生物学研究

目的使用羟乙基壳聚糖制备纳米颗粒(NPs),用来包载RGD-FasL融合蛋白(RF),鉴定其功能并评估其在肝癌治疗中的作用。方法采用离子凝胶法制备RF羟乙基壳聚糖缓释纳米粒(RF-NPs);通过透射电镜、动态光散射法考察其理化性质;用紫外分光光度仪检测蛋白浓度来计算其载药率、包封率和体外释放度;通过MTT比色法检测对H22细胞增殖活性的影响,应用H22细胞建立小鼠肝癌模型进行体内抑瘤研究。结果制备的RF-NPs呈球形或类球形,平均粒径198.3 nm,Zeta电位+25 mV,包封率较高,且具有缓释效果,150 mg/L浓度时对H22细胞抑制率大于70%,并能在小鼠体内产生比较明显的抑瘤效果。结论离子凝胶法制备RF-NPs的条件缓和、方法简单,是癌症治疗中具有很好的前景的蛋白药物载体。     

Self-assembled nanoparticles based on hydrophobically modified chitosan as carriers for doxorubicin

In this study self-assembled nanoparticles based on oleoyl-chitosan (OCH) were prepared with a mean diameter of 255.3 nm and an almost spherical shape. The toxicity profile of OCH nanoparticles was evaluated in vitro via hemolysis test and MTT assay. The hemolysis rates of OCH nanoparticles tested in different conditions came well within permissible limits (5%). The OCH nanoparticles showed no cytotoxicity to mouse embryo fibroblasts. Doxorubicin (DOX) was efficiently loaded into OCH nanoparticles with an encapsulation efficiency of 52.6%. The drug was rapidly and completely released from the nanoparticles (DOX-OCH nanoparticles) at pH 3.8, whereas at pH 7.4 there was a sustained release after a burst release. The inhibitory rates of DOX-OCH nanoparticle suspension to different human cancer cells (A549, Bel-7402, HeLa, and SGC-7901) significantly outperformed that of DOX solution. These results revealed the potential of OCH nanoparticles as carriers for hydrophobic antitumor agents.     

Comparison of chitosan nanoparticles and chitosan hydrogels for vaccine delivery

In this work the potential of chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) and thermosensitive chitosan hydrogels as particulate and sustained release vaccine delivery systems was investigated. CNP and chitosan hydrogels were prepared, loaded with the model protein antigen ovalbumin (OVA) and characterised. The immunostimulatory capacity of these vaccine delivery systems was assessed in‐vitro and in‐vivo. Particle sizing measurements and SEM images showed that optimised OVA‐loaded CNP had a size of approximately 200 nm, a polydispersity index < 0.2, and a positive zeta‐potential of approximately 18 mV. The amount of OVA adsorbed onto CNP was high with an adsorption efficacy of greater than 96%. Raman spectroscopy indicated conformational changes of OVA when adsorbed onto the surface of CNP. Uptake of the dispersions and immunological activation of murine dendritic cells in‐vitro could be demonstrated. Investigation of the release of fluorescently‐labelled OVA (FITC‐OVA) from CNP and chitosan hydrogels in‐vitro showed that approximately 50% of the total protein was released from CNP within a period of ten days; release of antigen from chitosan gel occurred in a more sustained manner, with < 10% of total protein being released after 10 days. The slow release from gel formulations may be explained by the strong interactions of the protein with chitosan. While OVA‐loaded CNP showed no significant immunogenicity, formulations of OVA in chitosan gel were able to stimulate both cell‐mediated and humoral immunity in‐vivo.     

壳聚糖及其衍生物纳米粒的制备以及在疫苗中的应用

壳聚糖是一种高分子线性阳离子多糖。由壳聚糖及其化学改性衍生物制备的纳米粒具有生物相容性好、细胞毒性低以及可降解等特点,人们对其作为佐剂或递送系统在疫苗中的应用已开展了广泛研究。此文对壳聚糖及其衍生物纳米粒的制备方法以及在疫苗中的应用进行综述。     

Research on thymopentin loaded oralN-trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles

Peptides, although high efficacy and specificity in their physiological function, usually have low therapeutical activities due to their poor bioavailability when administrated orally. Nanoparticles have been regarded as a useful vector for targeted drug delivery system because they can protect drug from being degraded quickly and pass the gastrointestinal barriers. Here we described a novel oral N-trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles formulation containing thymopentin (Tp5-TMC-NP). N-trimethyl chitosan (TMC) was synthesized and then used to prepare Tp5-TMC-NP by ionotropic gelation. A three-factor, five-level CCD (Central Composite Design) design was used in the optimization procedure, with HPLC as the analyzing method. The resulting Tp5-TMC-NP had a regular spherical surface and a narrow particle size range with a mean diameter of 110.6 nm. The average entrapment efficiency was 78.8%. The lyophilized Tp5-TMC-NP formulation was stable in 4 degrees C or -20 degrees C after storage of 3 months without obvious changes in morphology, particle size, pH and entrapment ratio. The results of the flow cytometer determination showed that the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ of Wistar female rat givenTp5-TMC-NP (ig) was 2.59 time that of the group given Tp5 (ig).     

壳寡糖的抗氧化及肝保护功能

目的研究壳寡糖(COS)的抗氧化能力和对CCl4诱导的小鼠肝损伤的保护作用,并初步探讨其作用机制。方法雄性昆明种小鼠,腹腔注射CCl4(20 mg.kg-1)制造肝损伤模型,实验组提前连续12 d灌胃给予COS(1.5 g.kg-1)。小鼠经CCl4损伤24 h后,取血,分离得到血清,测定各组小鼠血清中丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)和天门冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)的活性。脱颈处死小鼠,取部分肝组织,分别测定肝匀浆中总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)、总巯基(T-SH)和非蛋白结合巯基(NP-SH)含量、金属硫蛋白含量(MT)、丙二醛(MDA)含量和DNA损伤情况等指标。结果COS组与CCl4组相比,ALT、AST活性和MDA含量分别下降了62.2%、52.9%和34.3%。T-AOC和NP-SH含量分别提高了26.1%和16.3%。MT含量是空白对照组的2.15倍。但是没有抑制T-SH含量降低的作用。DNA电泳结果显示,COS组与CCl4组的DNA链都形成一系列1 kb大小左右的DNA片断。结论COS具有抗氧化能力,对CCl4诱导的小鼠肝损伤有较为明显的保护作用,但是不能减轻DNA的氧化性损伤。     

生物素化壳聚糖纳米粒的制备及其相关性质

制备了生物素化的壳聚糖纳米粒(biotinylated chitosan nanoparticles，Bio-CS-NP)并测定其相关性质，以此作为抗癌药物的载体。制备过程为：先用磺酸琥珀酰亚胺生物素与壳聚糖反应生成生物素化的壳聚糖(biotinylated chitosan，Bio-CS)，再采用氯化钠沉淀法制备Bio-CS-NP。采用试剂盒测定Bio-CS-NP表面配体连接密度，用透射电镜和激光粒度分析仪分别检测纳米粒的形态和粒径，并比较了人肝癌HepG2细胞对Bio-CS-NP和未经生物素修饰的壳聚糖纳米粒(chitosan nanoparticles，CS-NP)的摄取情况。结果显示，Bio-CS-NP表面配体连接密度为2.2 biotin CS；纳米粒形态为圆球形，表面光滑，平均粒径为296.8 nm，多分散指数为0.155；HepG2细胞对Bio-CS-NP的摄取能力显著高于CS-NP(P<0.05)。以上研究结果表明Bio-CS-NP有望成为一种新型的药物载体，用于抗癌药物对癌细胞的主动靶向。生物素的检测方法简便、可行。     

Effect of molecular structure of chitosan on protein delivery properties of chitosan nanoparticles

Chitosan nanoparticles (CS NP) with various formations were produced based on ionic gelation process of tripolyphosphate (TPP) and chitosan. They were examined with diameter 20-200 nm and spherical shape using TEM. FTIR confirmed tripolyphosphoric groups of TPP linked with ammonium groups of chitosan in the nanoparticles. Factors affecting delivery properties of bovine serum albumin (BSA) as model protein have been tested, they included molecular weight (Mw) and deacetylation degree (DD) of chitosan, the concentration of chitosan and initial BSA, and the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in encapsulation medium. Increasing Mws of chitosan from 10 to 210 kDa, BSA encapsulation efficiency was enhanced about two times, BSA total release in PBS (phosphate buffer saline) pH 7.4 in 8 days was reduced from 73.9 to 17.6%. Increasing DD from 75.5 to 92% promoted slightly the encapsulation efficiency and decelerated the release rate. The encapsulation efficiency was highly decreased by increase of initial BSA and chitosan concentration; higher loading capacity of BSA speeded the BSA release from the nanoparticles. Adding PEG hindered the BSA encapsulation and accelerated the release rate.     

Preparation and characterization of liposomes encapsulating chitosan nanoparticles

Liposomes are an important colloidal carrier system for controlled drug delivery. However some highly hydrophilic small molecules are difficult to entrap into liposomes and store stably, resulting in poor encapsulation efficiency and fast leakage. In the present work, fluorescein sodium (FS) was used as a model drug that was loaded into chitosan nanoparticles and then encapsulated into liposomes by reverse-phase evaporation (RPV). The encapsulation efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, release in vitro and pharmacokinetics in rats were determined in order to characterize the novel drug delivery system. The entrapment efficiency was above 80% in nanoparticles (Np) and 95% in liposomes encapsulating the nanoparticles (Lip-Np). The Lip-Np was composed of soybean phospholipids, cholesterol and chitosan, which the average diameter was 202.6 nm and zeta potential was -34.8 mV. The release rate of fluorescein sodium from Lip-Np was slower than from Np and liposomes. FS in Lip-Np administered to rats exhibited prolonged circulation and higher bioavailability than FS in Np. The results indicated that liposomal release kinetics can be controlled by encapsulating nanoparticles and thus solid-cored liposomes can be used as a potential drug delivery system.     

Cancer,chitosan nanoparticles and catalytic nucleic acids

Objectives The aim of this review was to examine gene therapy involving DNAzyme and siRNA encapsulation into chitosan nanoparticles, discussing the current and future status of this drug delivery system in enhancing drug delivery and cancer therapy. Key findings Cancer is a disease state in which the cells in our body undergo mutations at the genetic level and are transformed, acquiring the ability to replicate limitlessly. Conventional cancer treatment involves the use of surgery and cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, which have the potential of harming normal, otherwise healthy, non‐neoplastic cells. Newer forms of therapy such as immunotherapy and gene therapy have shown initial promise, but still require better ways to limit exposure to cancerous lesions in the body. As a result drug delivery systems have been developed in attempts to deliver therapeutics specifically to the target lesion site. One recent drug delivery system has revolved around the use of chitosan nanoparticle technology, where therapeutics are encapsulated into nanoparticles and targeted to tumours. Summary Though few, attempts at encapsulating therapeutics such as deoxyribozymes and small or short interfering RNA have been optimistic and encouraging.     

Glycyrrhizin surface-modified chitosan nanoparticles for hepatocyte-targeted delivery

The aim of the present work was to investigate the potential utility of chitosan nanoparticles surface modified with glycyrrhizin (CS-NPs-GL) as new hepatocyte-targeted delivery vehicles. For this purpose, chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) were prepared previously by ionic gelation process and glycyrrhizin was oxidized by sodium periodate to be conjugated to the surface of CS-NPs. The CS-NPs-GL obtained were first characterized for their morphology, particle size, zeta potential, association efficiency and in vitro release of adriamycin (ADR), using as a model drug. The nanoparticles were also labeled with rhodamine B isothiocyanate and their interaction with rat hepatocytes was examined by flow cytometry (FCM) and confocal laser microscopy (CLSM). The spherical nanoparticles prepared with oxidized GL/CS ratio of 0.14:1 (w/w) were in the 147.2nm size range, and exhibited a positive electrical charge (+9.3mV), and associated ADR quite efficiently (association efficiency: 91.7%) and showed lower extent of release (28% over 72h) in vitro. FCM and CLSM studies showed that CS-NPs-GL were preferentially accumulated in hepatocytes and the cellular uptake amount were 4.9 times more than that in hepatic nonparenchymal cells, and the uptake process was dependent on incubation time and dose of nanoparticles, which indicated that the internalization of these nanoparticles into hepatocytes was mostly mediated by a ligand-receptor interaction. In conclusion, CS-NPs-GL as a promising hepatocyte-targeted delivery carrier holds promise for further effective studies.     

Norcantharidin-associated galactosylated chitosan nanoparticles for hepatocyte-targeted delivery

In this study a new chitosan (CS) derivative, galactosylated chitosan (GC), was synthesized and used to prepare norcantharidin-associated GC nanoparticles (NCTD-GC NPs) by taking advantage of the ionic cross-linkage between the molecules of the anti-hepatocarcinoma medicine NCTD and of the GC as carrier. NCTD-GC NPs were obtained with average particle size of 118.68 ± 3.37 nm, entrapment efficiency of 57.92 ± 0.40%, and drug-loading amount of 10.38 ± 0.06%. Several important factors influencing the entrapment efficiency, drug-loading amount, and particle size of NCTD-GC NPs were studied. The characteristics of sustained and pH-sensitive release of NCTD from NCTD-GC NPs in vitro were studied. In addition, in vitro cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of nanoparticles to hepatoma cell lines SMMC-7721 and HepG2 were also investigated. In vitro, and compared to CS-based NCTD-CS NPs, NCTD-GC NPs demonstrated satisfactory compatibility with hepatoma cells and strong cytotoxicity against hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In vivo antitumor activity of NCTD-GC NPs was evaluated in mice bearing H22 liver tumors. NCTD-GC NPs displayed tumor inhibition effect in mice, better than either the free NCTD or the NCTD-CS NPs. As a hepatocyte-targeting carrier, GC NPs are potentially promising for clinical applications.From the Clinical EditorIn this paper, a galactosylated chitosan (GC), was synthesized and norcantharidin (NCTD)-associated galactosylated chitosan nanoparticles (NCTDGC NPs) were generated by coupling NCTD - an anti-hepatocarcinoma drug - and GC as carrier. Compared to chitosan nanoparticles, NCTD-GC-NPs demonstrated satisfactory compatibility with hepatoma cells and strong cytotoxicity against the cells.     

Microencapsulated chitosan nanoparticles for lung protein delivery

It has already been demonstrated that spray drying is a very valuable technique for producing dry powders adequate for pulmonary delivery of drugs. We have developed chitosan/tripolyphosphate nanoparticles that promote peptide absorption across mucosal surfaces. The aim of this work was to microencapsulate protein-loaded chitosan nanoparticles using typical aerosol excipients, such as mannitol and lactose, producing microspheres as carriers of protein-loaded nanoparticles to the lung. The results showed that the obtained microspheres are mostly spherical and possess appropriate aerodynamic properties for pulmonary delivery (aerodynamic diameters between 2 and 3 μm, apparent density lower than 0.45 g/cm³). Moreover, microspheres morphology was strongly affected by the content of chitosan nanoparticles. These nanoparticles show a good protein loading capacity (65–80%), providing the release of 75–80% insulin within 15 min, and can be easily recovered from microspheres after contact with an aqueous medium with no significant changes in their size and zeta potential values. Therefore, this work demonstrated that protein-loaded nanoparticles could be successfully incorporated into microspheres with adequate characteristics to reach the deep lung, which after contact with its aqueous environment are expected to be able to release the nanoparticles, and thus, the therapeutic macromolecule.     

Characterization of pilocarpine-loaded chitosan/Carbopol nanoparticles

Patients using ophthalmic drops are faced with frequent dosing schedules and difficult drop instillation. Therefore, a long-lasting pilocarpine-loaded chitosan (CS)/Carbopol nanoparticle ophthalmic formulation was developed. The physicochemical properties of the prepared nanoparticles were investigated using dynamic light scattering, zeta-potential, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared ray spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The sustained-release effects of pilocarpine-loaded nanoparticles were evaluated using in-vitro release and in-vivo miotic tests, and compared with pilocarpine in solution, gel and liposomes. We found that the prepared nanoparticles were about 294 nm in size. DSC and FT-IR studies suggested that an electrostatic interaction between CS and Carbopol contributes at least in part to the stabilization of pilocarpine/CS/Carbopol nanoparticles. When compared with pilocarpine in solution, gel or liposomes, the best slow-release profile of pilocarpine from the prepared nanoparticles occurred in a dissolution test. In the in-vivo miotic study, pilocarpine-loaded CS/Carbopol nanoparticles showed the most significant long-lasting decrease in the pupil diameter of rabbits. The advantages of CS and Carbopol are good biocompatibility, biodegradability and low toxicity. CS is also a mucoadhesive polymer. Thus, pilocarpine/CS/Carbopol nanoparticles may provide an excellent potential alternative ophthalmic sustained-release formulation of pilocarpine for clinical use. CS/Carbopol nanoparticles may also be useful for a variety of other therapeutic delivery systems.     

BODIPY-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles as a fluorescent probe

Recently, development of fluorescent nanoparticle-based probes for various bioimaging applications has attracted great attention. This work aims to develop a new type fluorescent nanoparticle conjugate and evaluate its cytotoxic effects on A549 and BEAS 2B cell lines. Throughout the study, ionically crosslinked chitosan nanoparticles (CNs) were conjugated with carboxylated 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY-COOH). The results of conjugates (BODIPY-CNs) were investigated with regard to their physic-chemical, optical, cytotoxic properties and cellular internalization. The morphology of BODIPY-CNs was found to be spherical in shape and quite uniform having average diameter of 70.25?±?11.99?nm. Cytotoxicty studies indicated that although BODIPY-COOH itself was quite toxic on both A549- and BEAS 2B-treated cells, CNs increased the cell viability of both cell lines via conjugation to BODIPY-COOH fluorescent molecule up to 67% for A549 and 74% for BEAS 2B cells. These results may suggest a possible utilization of the new fluorescent nanoparticle-based probe for bioimaging in biology and medicine.     

Effect of chitosan on physicochemical properties of exenatide-loaded PLGA nanoparticles

The aim of this study was to test stability of exenatide and compare physicochemical properties of PLGA nanoparticles. To make small, stable, uniform and highly encapsulated nanoparticles, various factors such as the components (polymer and stabilizer) and preparation condition (organic phase, temperature or sonication time) were considered. We tested the effect of organic phase, acid/base, ultrasonication time or temperature on exenatide to decide preparation condition of PLGA nanoparticles. And, PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by the double emulsion-solvent evaporation method and chitosan was selected as stabilizer. PLGA nanoparticles were characterized by yield, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index and morphology. In this study, PLGA nanoparticles showed different physicochemical properties according to chitosan molecular weight. In case of particle size, PLGA nanoparticles using 0.5 g chitosan (4 kDa) showed biggest particle size (781.4 ± 24.1 nm) among PLGA nanoparticles prepared in this study and PLGA nanoparticles using 1 g chitosan (2 kDa) showed highest encapsulation efficiency (52.8 ± 1.7 %) among PLGA nanoparticles prepared in this study. And, all of PLGA nanoparticles using chitosan showed that polydispersity index was low and zeta-potential was increased. These results suggest that chitosan molecular weight affects physicochemical properties of PLGA nanoparticle.     

Preparation,characterization and biodistribution of ultrafine chitosan nanoparticles

Chitosan nanoparticles cross-linked with glutaraldehyde have been prepared in AOT/n hexane reverse micellar system. The cross-linking in the polymeric network has been confirmed from FTIR data. Because of the adhesive nature of these particles, their sizes, as measured by QELS, have been found dependent on the particle density in aqueous buffer. The particle size has also been found to vary with the amount of cross-linking. The actual particle size of these chitosan nanoparticles with a particular degree of cross-linking has been determined at infinite dilution of particles in water. The particle size at infinite dilution is approximately 30 nm diameter, when 10% of the amine groups in the polymeric chains have been cross-linked and it shoots up to 110 nm diameter when all the amine groups are cross-linked (100% cross-linked). TEM pictures show that these particles are spherical in shape and remain in the form of aggregation. The biodistribution of these particles after intravenous injections in mice showed that these particles readily evade the RES system and remain in the blood for a considerable amount of time. The gamma image of the rabbit after administration of (99m)Technetium (99mTc) tagged chitosan nanoparticles also confirms the above observation, as the blood pool is readily visible even after 2 h. The gamma picture shows distribution of particles in the heart, liver, kidneys, bladder and the vertebral column. Interestingly, the biodistribution studies of the chitosan nanoparticles have indicated that these particles are distributed in the bone marrow also, implying the possibility of using these nanoparticles for bone imaging and targeting purpose.