Chitosan-based multi-liposomal complexes: Synthesis, biodegradability and cytotoxicity

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Chitosan nanoparticles are explored for drug delivery due to their biocompatibility.
• Liposomes are effective carriers for various bioactive substances.
• Developing efficient and biodegradable delivery systems remains a key challenge in nanomedicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create novel multi-liposomal containers (MLCs) for encapsulating and delivering bioactive substances.
• To investigate the effect of chitosan molecular mass on MLC size and degradation.
• To assess the biodegradability and cytotoxicity of the developed MLCs.

Main Methods:

• Anionic liposomes were electrostatically adsorbed onto cationic chitosan particles.
• Chitosan particles with varying molecular masses (30–300 kDa) were synthesized.
• Multi-liposomal containers (MLCs) were formed and characterized for size and liposome loading.
• Enzymatic degradation using Morikrase was studied at different pH values and cholesterol concentrations.
• Cytotoxicity of MLCs and their degradation products was evaluated.

Main Results:

• MLCs were successfully formed with sizes ranging from 320 to 540 nm, carrying 60–200 liposomes per chitosan particle.
• Chitosan molecular mass influenced particle size (200–400 nm) and enzyme-induced degradation rate.
• Degradation by Morikrase reduced MLCs to 10–15 nm particles; higher chitosan molecular mass resulted in slower degradation.
• pH and cholesterol content had minimal impact on biodegradation rates.
• MLCs and their degradation products exhibited low cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• Multi-liposomal containers (MLCs) based on chitosan and liposomes represent a novel, biodegradable carrier system.
• The system allows for tunable degradation rates based on chitosan molecular mass.
• The low cytotoxicity of MLCs and their degradation products supports their potential for safe delivery of bioactive substances.