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Preparation and Characterization of SDF-1α-Chitosan-Dextran Sulfate Nanoparticles
Published on: January 22, 2015
Gemcitabine-loaded chitosan microspheres. Characterization and biological in vitro evaluation
Cinzia Anna Ventura1, Carmela Cannavà, Rosanna Stancanelli
1Pharmacochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Messina, V.le Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy. caventura@unime.it
Biomedical Microdevices
|May 25, 2011
Summary
Chitosan microspheres loaded with gemcitabine show promise as an anticancer drug delivery system. Dextran sulfate enhances drug encapsulation and controls release, improving anti-tumor efficacy against lung cancer cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Chitosan microspheres are explored for drug delivery.
- Gemcitabine is a key anticancer drug.
- Controlling drug release is crucial for efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize chitosan microspheres for gemcitabine delivery.
- To evaluate the impact of dextran sulfate on microsphere properties and drug release.
- To assess the in vitro anti-tumor efficacy of the developed formulations.
Main Methods:
- Spray-drying technique for microsphere preparation.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) for morphological analysis.
- In vitro drug release studies and cytotoxicity assays on A549 lung cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Porous chitosan microspheres (1-5 μm) were successfully fabricated.
- Dextran sulfate significantly increased gemcitabine encapsulation efficiency to ~96%.
- Dextran sulfate modulated gemcitabine release, extending it over 4 days compared to immediate release without it.
- Formulations enhanced gemcitabine's cytotoxic activity against A549 cells, particularly with lower dextran sulfate concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Chitosan microspheres, especially with dextran sulfate, represent effective delivery systems for gemcitabine.
- Dextran sulfate improves drug loading and provides sustained release, enhancing anti-cancer activity.
- These findings support the potential of these microspheres in lung cancer therapy.
