Formation of Biocompatible Nanoparticles via the Self‐Assembly of Chitosan and Modified Lecithin

Abstract

The formation of biocompatible nanoparticles via the self-assembly of chitosan (CHI) and modified lecithin (ML) was studied. Stable nanoparticles in the size range of 123 to 350 nm were formed at over a wide molar mixing ratios of CHI/ML solutions (amino group/phosphate group) (NH 3 + /PO 3 − ) and total polyelectrolyte (PE) concentrations (0.1 to 1 wt%) except at intermediate molar ratios when the surface charge was close to neutrality. Zeta-potentials of the nanoparticles were found to be independent of the total PE concentrations. Nanoparticles exhibited excellent stability at over an extended pH (pHs 3 to 6) and ionic strength range (≤ 500 mM NaCl concentration). The particle size and zeta-potential of the nanoparticles increased with the molecular weight of CHI. Transmission electron microscopy suggested that nanoparticles were generally spherical in shape with CHI constituting the exterior of its surface at high molar mixing ratios. Dextran-fluorescein isothiocyanate, bovine serum albumin, and Coomassie brilliant blue as models of nonionic, positively and negatively charged compounds were encapsulated within the nanoparticles at between 8.7% and 62.7% efficiency. The ability of the nanoparticle suspensions to be converted to lyophilized powder or concentrated suspension was also demonstrated.

Physico-chemical characterization and cytotoxicity evaluation of curcumin loaded in chitosan/chondroitin sulfate nanoparticles

“…Higher concentration of chitosan in solution leads to higher density of protonated amine groups (\ \NH 3 + ), resulting in greater repulsion and, therefore, an increase in the hydrodynamic diameter in the polymer network and in the zeta potential of the nanoparticles. On the other hand, low concentration of chitosan reduces the density of the positive charge originating from protonated amine groups (\ \NH 3 + ), making the zeta potential of the nanoparticles get a negative value [31][32][33].…”

Gastrointestinal Delivery of Anti-inflammatory Nanoparticles

“…The latter is widely used because polymers can be associated with copolymers and can be grafted, degraded, and acquire hybrid characteristics when associated with cells. When polysaccharides are used as biomaterials, size and charge regulate the kinetics of drug delivery (Chuah et al, 2009;Sezer and Akbuga, 2006). The range of possible polysaccharide uses is as wide as polysaccharides are diverse (Table 6.1).…”

Role and adverse effects of nanomaterials in food technology

“…ZnO nanoparticles are biocompatible to man, hence, can be suitable in the role of biosensors [54]. Biocompatibility of nanomaterials can be enhanced by self assembly with chitosan and modified lecithin [55]. Biocompatible gold nanoparticles can be formulated with green chemistry approach [56].…”