Controlling the complexation of polysaccharides into multi-functional colloidal assemblies for nanomedicine

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Developing stable colloidal systems for drug delivery is crucial for therapeutic efficacy.
• Polysaccharide-based nanoparticles offer biocompatibility and tunable properties for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the controlled assembly of oppositely charged polysaccharides into stable colloids.
• To evaluate the drug encapsulation and protein sorption capabilities of these novel nanoparticles.
• To assess the stability and functionalization potential of the developed colloidal systems.

Main Methods:

• Controlled assembly of chitosan with dextran sulfate (CS-DS) and heparin (CS-HP).
• Stability testing in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and simulated gastric conditions.
• Structural analysis using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS).
• Functionalization with antibodies and drug encapsulation studies.

Main Results:

• CS-DS and CS-HP colloids demonstrated stability in PBS for over 30 days and in gastric conditions for 3 days.
• SAXS analysis revealed semi-rough surfaces and rod-like conformations within CS-DS particles.
• Antibody functionalization maintained bioactivity for at least 8 days.
• Drug loading efficiency reached up to 72% for CS-DS and 66% for CS-HP particles.

Conclusions:

• Controlled assembly of oppositely charged polysaccharides yields stable, functional nanoparticles.
• These chitosan-based colloids are suitable for targeted nanodelivery of drugs and biomolecules.
• The developed system shows significant potential for advanced drug delivery applications.