Synthesis and characterization of pH-dependent glycol chitosan and dextran sulfate nanoparticles for effective brain cancer treatment

A novel drug delivery system for the treatment of brain tumors was formulated by methotrexate (MTX)-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) based on Glycol chitosan (GCS) and Dextran sulfate (DS). The physicochemical properties of resulting particles were investigated, evidencing the contribution of these nanoparticles for brain targeting. In vitro release of MTX was also evaluated. The GCS-DS nanoparticles have been developed based on the modulation of ratio show promise as a system for controlled delivery of the drug to the brain.     

Study on antimicrobial activity of chitosan with different molecular weights

E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus are used to study the antimicrobial activity of chitosan of different molecular weights (MW). The effect of the concentration and MW of chitosan were investigated, respectively, and the antimicrobial mechanism was discussed. For chitosan with MW below 300 kDa, the antimicrobial effect on S. aureus was strengthened as the MW increased. In contrast, the effect on E. coli was weakened.     

Effective production of chitinase and chitosanase byStreptomyces griseus HUT 6037 using colloidal chitin and various degrees of deacetylation of chitosan

The advantages of the organismStreptomyces griseus HUT 6037 is that the chitinase and chitosanase using chitinaceouse substrate are capable of hydrolyzing both amorphous and crystalline chitin and chitosan. We attempted to investigate the optimization of induction protocol for high-level production and secretion of chitosanase and the influence of chitin and partially deacetylated chitosan sources (75–99% deactylation). The maximum specific activity of chitinase has been found at 5 days cultivation with the 48 hours induction time using colloidal chitin as a carbon source. To investigate characteristic of chitosan activity according to substrate, we used chitosan with various degree of deacetylation as a carbon source and found that this strain accumulates chitosanase in the culture medium using chitosanaceous substrates rather than chitinaceous substrates. The highest chitosanase activity was also presented on 4 days with 99% deacetylated chitosan. The partially 53% deacetylated chitosan can secrete both chitinase and chitosanase which was defined as a soluble chitosan. The specific activities of chitinase and chitosanase were 0.89 at 3 days and 1.33 U/mg protein at 5 days, respectively. It indicate that chitosanase obtained fromS. griseus HUT 6037 can hydrolyze GlcNAc-GlcN and GlcN-GlcN linkages by exo-splitting manner. This activity increased with increasing degree of deacetylation of chitosan. It is the first attempt to investigate the effects of chitosanase on various degrees of deacetylations of chitosan byS. griseus HUT 6037. The highest specific activity of chitosanase was obtained with 99% deacetylated chitosan.     

Effects of molecular weight and deacetylation degree of chitin/chitosan on wound healing

We studied the effects of chitin/chitosan on wound healing with reference to chemical properties using a linear incisional wound model in rats. Wound break strength of the chitosan group (D-glucosamine (GlcN), chito-oligosaccharide (COS), chitosan) was higher than the chitin group (N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc), chiti-oligosaccharide (NACOS), chitin). Collagenase activity was also higher in the chitosan group than the chitin group. There was no significant change between the concentration of the sample and the break strength and collagenase activity in all samples. In histological findings, collagen fibers run perpendicular against the incisional line in the oligosaccharide group (NACOS, COS), and many activated fibroblasts were observed around the wound in the chitosan group. As for the deacetylation degree, the higher the deacetylation degree becomes, the more the stronger the break strength becomes. Also, activated fibroblasts appeared more in the higher deacetylation degree.     

Effects of concentration, degree of deacetylation and molecular weight on emulsifying properties of chitosan

Chitosan has excellent emulsifying properties. Emulsifying activity and stability of chitosan were determined by integrated light scattering technique and turbidimetric method. The effects of concentration, degree of deacetylation and molecular weight on emulsifying properties of chitosan were systematically studied in the paper. Emulsifying activity of chitosan initially increased, arrived at the peak at 0.75% and then declined, while emulsifying stability continuously increased with a rise of chitosan concentration from 0.25% to 1.25%. Emulsifying activity and stability of chitosan initially decreased and reached the minimum, then increased with the rise of degree of deacetylation. Chitosan with DD 60.5% and 86.1% showed superior emulsifying activity and stability. Chitosan with low Mw exhibited better emulsifying activity than those with high Mw. Chitosan with Mw 410 kDa and 600 kDa showed superior emulsifying activity in the test range. Emulsifying stability of chitosan increased with a rise of Mw.     

Improved anti-tumoral capacity of mixed and pure anti-oestrogens in breast cancer cell xenografts after their administration by entrapment in colloidal nanosystems

Anti-oestrogens (AEs) are currently used for treating hormone-dependent breast cancers. They specifically bind to oestrogen receptors (ERs) and inhibit their transactivation capacity. However, ERs are present in various other tissues in which AEs may have either a beneficial or detrimental action. AE administration via systems targeting breast tumours may be an important therapeutic improvement. Thus, several biodegradable drug delivery systems containing either “mixed” (4-hydroxytamoxifen - 4-HT) or “pure” (RU 58668 - RU) AEs were prepared. Liposomes and nanospheres (NS, composed of non-toxic and biodegradable lipids and poly(d,l-lactic acid) incorporated up to 1 and 0.5 mM AE, respectively. Nanocapsules (NCs) in which an oily core solubilises the AE incorporated no more than 0.02 mM of the drug. PEG-functionalised nanoparticles survived longer in plasma and had better controlled release of the drug. The small size of the vectors (100–250 nm) was compatible with their extravasation through the discontinuous endothelium of tumour vasculature, allowing their accumulation in MCF-7 cell xenografts and leading to a prolonged exposure of the tumour to AEs. In these tumours and in MCF-7/ras xenografts, RU-NS and RU-NC (6.5 mg/kg/week and 0.27 mg/kg/week, respectively, doses at which free RU had a very weak effect), both inhibited tumour growth. Entrapped RU significantly induced involution of tumours and strongly induced apoptosis in tumour cells, concomitantly with inhibiting tumour angiogenesis. 4-HT-nanoparticles also arrest oestradiol-induced tumour growth, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis. However, unlike RU-nanoparticles, they did not promote ER subtype loss in tumour cells. Subcutaneous administration of both RU- and 4-HT-NS in MCF-7 xenografts strongly arrested tumour growth for prolonged periods and RUNS decreased the number of tumour epithelial cells. Analysis of the proteins involved in cell cycle proliferation and apoptosis confirmed that RU-nanoparticles were more efficient than 4-HT-nanoparticles. Their lack of toxicity and high anti-tumour potency that affects only tumour cells in the xenograft models mean these AE-loaded colloidal systems are a breakthrough in hormone-dependent breast cancer treatment.     

Preparation and characterization of magnetic gold nanoparticles to be used as doxorubicin nanocarriers

Magnetic targeted drug delivery (MTD), using magnetic gold nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@Au NPs) conjugated with an anti-cancer drug is a promise modality for cancer treatment. In this study, Fe₃O₄@Au NPs were prepared and functionalized with thiol-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG), then loaded with anti-cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). The physical properties of the prepared NPs were characterized using different techniques. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the mono dispersed nature of Fe₃O₄@Au NPs with an average size of 20 nm which was confirmed using Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. Zeta potential measurements along with UV–VIS spectroscopy demonstrated surface DOX loading on Fe₃O₄@Au NPs. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) assured the existence of both iron and gold elements in the prepared NPs. The paramagnetic properties of the prepared NPs were assessed by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The maximum DOX-loading capacity was 100 μg DOX/mg of Fe₃O₄@Au NPs. It was found that DOX released more readily at acidic pH. In vitro studies on MCF-7 cell line elucidated that DOX loaded Fe₃O₄@Au NPs (Fe₃O₄@Au-PEG-DOX) have more potent therapeutic effect than free DOX. Knowledge gained in this study may open the door to pursue Fe₃O₄@Au NPs as a viable nanocarriers for different molecules delivery in many diagnostic and therapeutic applications.     

巨噬细胞膜伪装纳米颗粒的制备和功能表征

摘要 目的：巨噬细胞具有炎症趋化能力,近年来巨噬细胞膜伪装的纳米递送载体引起研究者的广泛关注。本文提供了一种巨噬细胞膜伪装纳米颗粒的方法,即摄取-挤出法,并对该法制得的纳米颗粒进行表征,考察纳米颗粒在不同细胞中的摄取。方法：利用溶胶-凝胶法制备装载阿霉素的介孔硅（DMSN）纳米颗粒,再利用RAW 264.7巨噬细胞吞噬DMSN,最后将巨噬细胞连续挤出制得巨噬细胞膜伪装的载有阿霉素的介孔硅（DMSN@CM）纳米颗粒。动态光散射激光粒度仪（DLS）测定DMSN@CM颗粒的粒径和表面电位,透射电子显微镜（TEM）观察纳米颗粒形态,聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳（SDS-PAGE）验证细胞膜的成功伪装。然后通过激光共聚焦显微镜与流式细胞术共同考察了DMSN@CM在不同细胞中的摄取情况。结果：成功制备了DMSN和DMSN@CM纳米颗粒。DMSN粒径为116.7±3.2 nm,zeta表面电势为 -29.5± 1.3 mV;MSN@CM粒径为128.0±9.3 nm,zeta表面电势为 -26.7 ±1.2 mV。TEM与SDS-PAGE共同验证了DMSN@CM表面细胞膜的成功包覆。细胞摄取试验表明巨噬细胞膜的伪装可以抑制RAW 264.7细胞对DMSN@CM的摄取;促进MDA-MB-231细胞对DMSN@CM的摄取。结论：利用摄取-挤出法成功构建了DMSN@CM纳米颗粒,该法简便高效,为纳米颗粒的细胞膜伪装提供了一种新的手段。     

Effect of molecular weight of chitosan with the same degree of deacetylation on the thermal, mechanical, and permeability properties of the prepared membrane

Different molecular weight, 90% deacetylated chitosans were obtained by ultrasonic degradation on 90% deacetylated chitosan at 80 °C for various times.

Ninety percent deacetylated chitosan was prepared from alkali treatment of chitin that was obtained from red shrimp waste. Number average-, viscosity average- molecular weights were measured by gel permeation chromatography and the viscometric method, respectively. Degree of deacetylation was measured by the titration method. Enthalpy, maximum melting temperature, tensile strength and elongation of the membranes, flow rate of permeates and water are properties measured to elucidate the effect of molecular weight of chitosan on the above thermal, mechanical, and permeation properties, respectively of the prepared membranes. Results show tensile strength, tensile elongation, and enthalpy of the membrane prepared from high molecular weight chitosans were higher than those from low molecular weight. However, the permeability show membranes prepared from high molecular weight chitosans are lower than that from those of low molecular weight.     

Influence of the composition and preparation method on the morphology and swelling behavior of alginate–chitosan hydrogels

In this study, a 2⁴ factorial experimental design was employed in order to evaluate the influence of the reaction conditions and preparation method on alginate–chitosan hydrogel properties. Alginate content, pH, chitosan molecular weight and the hydrogel preparation method were the independent variables and the reaction yield, particle size, swelling degree and point of zero surface charge were the dependent variables. The results showed that hydrogels were spherical with an average diameter of 5.0 ± 2.0 μm. Reaction yield varied according to the parameters, and chitosan molecular weight showed the greatest influence. Furthermore, the swelling degree and point of zero surface charge showed a linear dependence on the alginate content. In this regard, the study showed that hydrogels with a specific charge and swelling degree can be obtained by controlling the alginate content using the equation here provided to give an enhanced and site-specific controlled drug release.     

An investigation of the photo-clastogenic potential of ultrafine titanium dioxide particles

Ultrafine titanium dioxide is widely used in a number of commercial products including sunscreens and cosmetics. There is extensive evidence on the safety of ultrafine titanium dioxide. However, there are some published studies indicating that some forms at least may be photogenotoxic, photocatalytic and/or carcinogenic. In order to clarify the conflicting opinions on the safety of ultrafine titanium dioxide particles, the current studies were performed to investigate the photo-clastogenic potential of eight different classes of ultrafine titanium dioxide particles. The photo-clastogenicity of titanium dioxide was measured in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in the absence and presence of UV light at a dose of 750 mJ/cm². The treatments were short (3 h) followed by a 17-h recovery and achieved concentrations that either induced approximately 50% cytotoxicity or reached 5000 μg/ml if non-cytotoxic. None of the titanium dioxide particles tested induced any increase in chromosomal aberration frequencies either in the absence or presence of UV. These studies show that ultrafine titanium dioxide particles do not exhibit photochemical genotoxicity in the model system used.     

Glutaraldehyde and glyoxal cross-linked chitosan microspheres for controlled delivery of centchroman

Glutaraldehyde and glyoxal cross-linked microspheres were prepared using chitosan with different molecular weights (MWs) and degrees of deacetylation (DDAs) for sustained release of centchroman under physiological conditions. The DDA in chitosan was determined by different methods, and the samples were categorized as chitosan with low (48%), medium (62%), and high (75%) DDA. The size and shape of the microspheres were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and hydrophobicity was determined by adsorption of Rose Bengal dye on microspheres cross-linked with glutaraldehyde or glyoxal. The effect of MW, DDA, and degree of cross-linking in microspheres was studied on the degree of swelling, as well as by the loading and release of centchroman. The glyoxal cross-linked microspheres were more compact and hydrophobic and showed better sustained release in companion to chitosan microspheres and glutaraldehyde cross-linked microspheres. The linear fractional release of centchroman with the square root of time indicated a Fickian behavior of centchroman, and the microspheres also showed zero-order release kinetics for centchroman.     

Optimisation of Dex-GMA nanoparticles prepared in modified micro-emulsion system: Physical and biologic characterization

In recent years, utilizing nanoparticles as delivery system for drug targeting delivery has raised increasing interest. In this study, glycidyl methacrylate derivatized dextran (Dex-GMA) nanoparticles encapsulating basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) have been prepared inside the aqueous cores of sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT)/n-hexane reverse micelles. These nanoparticles were identified to be uniformly spherical in shape with an average size of 109.57 ± 2.09 nm. And 90.2% of the nanoparticles were in a narrow size range of 80–110 nm. The release of bFGF from the nanoparticles is completely and sustained as long as 35 days. The impact of the nanoparticles on mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) was assessed with cell cytotoxicity/viability and adhesion assay. Those studies show that the Dex-GMA nanoparticles prepared by water-in-oil micro-emulsion systems with aprotic solvent adding are novel, effective and biocompatible delivery system for bioactive protein.     

Synthesis and characterisation of D-amino acid-based oligopeptides for use as probes of the influence of molecular structure on the paracellular route of gastrointestinal drug uptake

Summary A series of peptides based on D-amino-acids, and with an N-terminal D-phenylalanine residue, was synthesised by solution methods using t-butoxycarbonyl amino protection. These peptides were designed to resist metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract and to serve as probes of the effects of molecular shape and charge on the paracellular route of drug uptake in the gut. The peptides were characterised by NMR spectroscopy, FAB mass spectrometry, optical rotation and purified by HPLC.Abbreviations HBTU o-Benzotriazolyl-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate - OSu N-hydroxysuccinimide ester     

Preparation,characterization and cytotoxic evaluation of bovine serum albumin nanoparticles encapsulating 5-methylmellein: A secondary metabolite isolated from Xylaria psidii

In this study, 5-methylmellein (5-MM) loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (BSA NPs) were developed using desolvation technique. The developed nanoparticles were characterized for their mean particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential, loading efficiency, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and release profile. The developed nanoparticles were spherical in shape under transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The developed 5-MM loaded BSA NPs demonstrated a mean particle size with a diameter of 154.95?±?4.44?nm. The results from XRD and DSC studies demonstrated that the crystal state of the 5-MM was converted to an amorphous state in polymeric matrix. The encapsulation and loading efficiency was found to be 73.26?±?4.48% and 7.09?±?0.43%. The in vitro cytotoxicity in human prostate cancer cell line (PC-3), human colon cancer cells (HCT-116) and human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) cells demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity of 5-MM BSA NPs as compared to native 5-MM after 72-h treatment. The enhancement in cytotoxicity of 5-MM BSA NPs was also supported by increase in cellular apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential loss and generation of high reactive oxygen species (ROS). In conclusion, these findings collectively indicated that BSA nanoparticles may serve as promising drug delivery system for improving the efficacy of 5-methylmellein.     

Effect of deacetylation time on the preparation, properties and swelling behavior of chitosan films

The objectives of the study were to propose a two-stage microfluidization combined with an ultrafiltration (UF) treatment for chitosan mass production and the manipulation of molecular weight and its distribution. The proposed methods are based on the degradation rate and rate constant of various process variables studied. Results obtained were that the rate constants were faster during the earlier reaction period, were higher for those operating at a higher pressure, were better for using concurrent UF treatment to remove small degraded fragments, and the degradation rate constants were faster for 30 °C solutions than that for 50 or 0 °C. A two-stage microfluidization process is proposed. The first stage constitutes of the highest possible concentration solution with concurrent UF treatment at 50 °C, and recycled 5 times. The second stage consists of the highest possible concentration of solutions with concurrent UF treatment at 30 °C, and recycled 5 times.     

Preparation and characterization of N-(2-carboxybenzyl)chitosan as a potential pH-sensitive hydrogel for drug delivery

A novel water-soluble chitosan derivative [N-(2-carboxybenzyl)chitosan, CBCS] was synthesized. The chemical structure of CBCS was characterized by FTIR, (1)H NMR and UV spectroscopies. The degree of substitution (DS) of N-2-carboxybenzyl was determined by colloid titration. In different pH buffer solutions, the swelling characteristics of hydrogels based on CBCS (CBCSG) prepared by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde have been studied. Results showed that the swelling ratio (SR) of CBCSG decreased with an increase of the amount of glutaraldehyde, and that CBCSG swelled more significantly in alkaline solution than in acidic medium, showing the lowest SR at pH5.0. The SR of CBCSG increased with the raising of the DS of the N-2-carboxybenzyl group in alkaline solution, but no significant change was observed in an acidic environment. CBCSG showed swelling reversibility when alternately soaked in pH1.0 and 7.4 buffer solutions. Release profiles of fluorouracil (5-FU), a poorly water-soluble drug, from CBCSG were studied under both simulated gastric and intestinal pHconditions. The release was much quicker in pH7.4 buffer than in pH1.0 solution. Results indicated that CBCS could be a potential pH-sensitive carrier for colon-specific drug delivery system.     

Relationships between the molecular structure and moisture-absorption and moisture-retention abilities of carboxymethyl chitosan. II. Effect of degree of deacetylation and carboxymethylation

Carboxymethyl chitosans (CM-chitosan) of various degrees of deacetylation (DD 28-95%) and substitution (DS 0.15-1.21) were successfully prepared from N-acetylchitosans in NaOH of varying concentrations. Infrared spectroscopy (IR), elemental analysis, potentiometric titration, 13C NMR, X-ray diffraction and gel-permeation chromatographic (GPC) techniques were used to characterize their molecular structures. The moisture-absorption (R(a)) and -retention (R(h)) abilities of CM-chitosan are closely related to the DD and DS values. Under conditions of high relative humidity, the maximum R(a) and R(h) were obtained at DD values of about 50%, and when the DD value deviated from 50%, R(a) and R(h) decreased. Under dry conditions, when the DD value was 50%, the R(h) was the lowest. With the DS value increasing, R(a) and R(h) increased. However, further increase of the DS value above 1.0 reduced the increasing tendency of R(a) and R(h), and even some decreases in R(a) and R(h) were observed. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds play a very important role in moisture-absorption and retention ability of CM-chitosan.