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Related Concept Videos

Tight Junctions01:29

Tight Junctions

Tight junctions are molecular seals between cells that prevent the leaking of fluids, ions, and other small solutes across cavities and compartments in multicellular organisms. They are mainly composed of claudin and occludin transmembrane proteins, and other proteins such as tricellulin and JAM (junctional adhesion molecule). All these proteins are 4-pass transmembrane proteins, except JAM, which is a single-pass transmembrane protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. The...

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Perturbing Endothelial Biomechanics via Connexin 43 Structural Disruption
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Published on: October 4, 2019

Tight junction modulation by chitosan nanoparticles: comparison with chitosan solution.

Driton Vllasaliu1, Ruth Exposito-Harris, Angeles Heras

  • 1The School of Pharmacy, Boots Science Building, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|August 24, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Chitosan nanoparticles and solutions can temporarily open cellular barriers, enhancing macromolecule permeability. While nanoparticles didn't outperform solutions, they offer potential for controlled drug delivery.

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Functional Assessment of Intestinal Tight Junction Barrier and Ion Permeability in Native Tissue by Ussing Chamber Technique
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Preparation and Characterization of SDF-1α-Chitosan-Dextran Sulfate Nanoparticles

Published on: January 22, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Cell Biology
  • Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

  • Cellular tight junctions regulate paracellular transport.
  • Chitosan nanoparticles are explored for biomedical applications.
  • Improving macromolecule permeability across epithelial barriers is a key challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate chitosan nanoparticles' ability to open cellular tight junctions.
  • To compare the effect of chitosan nanoparticles versus chitosan solution on cell permeability.
  • To assess the potential of chitosan nanoparticles for drug delivery.

Main Methods:

  • Ionic gelation formulation of chitosan nanoparticles with tripolyphosphate (TPP).
  • Cytotoxicity assessment using MTS and LDH assays on Calu-3 cells.
  • Measurement of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and FITC-dextran permeability.
  • Immunofluorescence analysis of tight junction protein ZO-1 distribution.

Main Results:

  • Chitosan nanoparticles induced a rapid, reversible decrease in TEER, similar to chitosan solution.
  • Both nanoparticles and solution increased permeability of FITC-dextrans (FD4 and FD10).
  • Changes in ZO-1 distribution indicated a similar tight junction opening effect for both formulations.

Conclusions:

  • Chitosan nanoparticles effectively modulate tight junction permeability, comparable to chitosan solutions.
  • While no superior permeability enhancement was observed, nanoparticles offer drug incorporation advantages.
  • The potential for controlled drug release and enzymatic protection makes chitosan nanoparticles promising for drug delivery.