Polymeric nanoparticles decorated with fragmented chitosan as modulation systems for neuronal drug uptake

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers Vol. 336; p. 122121
• Main Authors: Hernández-Parra, Hector, Cortés, Hernán, Romero-Montero, Alejandra, Borbolla-Jiménez, Fabiola V., Magaña, Jonathan J., Del Prado-Audelo, María Luisa, Florán, Benjamín, Leyva-Gómez, Gerardo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 15.07.2024
• Subjects: biocompatibility; Blood-brain barrier; brain; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival - drug effects; Chitosan; Chitosan - chemistry; CNS; cytotoxicity; Drug Carriers - chemistry; drugs; Gamma irradiation; gamma radiation; Gamma Rays; Humans; irradiation; molecular weight; nanocarriers; Nanoparticles; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Neuronal cells; neurons; Neurons - drug effects; Neurons - metabolism; Particle Size; PLGA; Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer - chemistry; polymers; Nanoparticles; Gamma irradiation; Neuronal cells; PLGA; Blood-brain barrier; CNS; Chitosan
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122121

This study aimed to modify chitosan (CS) by gamma irradiation and use it as a surface coating of nanoparticles (NPs) fabricated of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) to create mostly biocompatible nanosystems that can transport drugs to neurons. Gamma irradiation produced irradiated CS (CSγ) with a very low molecular weight (15.2–19.2 kDa). Coating NPs-PLGA with CSγ caused significant changes in their Z potential, making it slightly positive (from −21.7 ± 2.8 mV to +7.1 ± 2.3 mV) and in their particle size (184.4 0.4 ± 7.9 nm to 211.9 ± 14.04 nm). However, these changes were more pronounced in NPs coated with non-irradiated CS (Z potential = +54.0 ± 1.43 mV, size = 348.1 ± 16.44 nm). NPs coated with CSγ presented lower cytotoxicity and similar internalization levels in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells than NPs coated with non-irradiated CS, suggesting higher biocompatibility. Highly biocompatible NPs are desirable as nanocarriers to deliver drugs to the brain, as they help maintain the structure and function of the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, the NPs developed in this study could be evaluated as drug-delivery systems for treating brain diseases. [Display omitted]