Biological Safety and Biodistribution of Chitosan Nanoparticles

Abstract

The effect of unmodified chitosan nanoparticles with a size of ~100 nm and a weakly positive charge on blood coagulation, metabolic activity of cultured cardiomyocytes, general toxicity, biodistribution, and reactive changes in rat organs in response to their single intravenous administration at doses of 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg was studied. Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) have a small cytotoxic effect and have a weak antiplatelet and anticoagulant effect. Intravenous administration of CNPs does not cause significant hemodynamic changes, and 30 min after the CNPs administration, they mainly accumulate in the liver and lungs, without causing hemolysis and leukocytosis. The toxicity of chitosan nanoparticles was manifested in a dose-dependent short-term delay in weight gain with subsequent recovery, while in the 2-week observation period no signs of pain and distress were observed in rats. Granulomas found in the lungs and liver indicate slow biodegradation of chitosan nanoparticles. In general, the obtained results indicate a good tolerance of intravenous administration of an unmodified chitosan suspension in the studied dose range.

Fluorescent Nanoagents for Biomedical Applications

“…It was found that the greatest accumulation of NPC-ICG particles occurred in the liver (Figure 17). As expected, the data indicates the elimination of nanoobjects by the liver and confirms the previously obtained data using histochemical staining by Grocott on the predominant accumulation of NPC in the rats' liver [54].…”

Development of Chitosan Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles with Bioactive Compounds

“…Chitosan, a deacetylated derivative of chitin, is a polysaccharide with both hydroxyl and amine groups in its structure, which play an important role in cross-linking with other molecules, such as proteins, making it suitable for various commercial applications [ 7 ]. In addition, it is non-toxic, hydrophilic, biocompatible, biodegradable, and anti-bacterial [ 8 , 9 ].…”

Enhancement of Skin Wound Healing by rhEGF-Loaded Carboxymethyl Chitosan Nanoparticles

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