Biocompatibility of folate-modified chitosan nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials science
• Nanotechnology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) is a derivative of chitosan with enhanced solubility and biocompatibility.
• Folic acid (FA) is a vitamin crucial for cell growth and is often used to target cancer cells.
• The development of novel nanomaterials for biomedical applications requires thorough safety evaluations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize carboxymethyl chitosan-2, 2' ethylenedioxy bis-ethylamine-folate (CMC-EDBE-FA) nanoparticles.
• To evaluate the acute in vivo toxicity of CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticles.
• To assess the in vitro cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticles were synthesized via covalent linkage of CMC with FA.
• Acute toxicity was assessed in vivo up to a dose of 1000 mg/kg.
• In vitro cytotoxicity was determined using cell lines, and antimicrobial activity was evaluated using MIC, MBC, DAD, and killing kinetic assays.

Main Results:

• CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticles exhibited no antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.
• No signs of acute in vivo toxicity were observed at doses up to 1000 mg/kg.
• No in vitro cytotoxicity was detected at concentrations up to 250 µg/mL.

Conclusions:

• CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticles are non-toxic in acute toxicity and in vitro cytotoxicity assessments.
• The synthesized CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticles are deemed safe for potential use in biomedical applications.