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Lactobionic acid-modified thymine-chitosan nanoparticles as potential carriers for methotrexate delivery
Jun Wang1, Zongyong Zhang2, Yilong Ai3
1Department of Basic Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, PR China.
Carbohydrate Research
|March 3, 2021
Summary
Lactobionic acid-decorated thymine-chitosan nanoparticles efficiently deliver methotrexate (MTX) to liver cancer cells. These targeted nanoparticles show enhanced cytotoxicity and tumor growth inhibition, offering a promising drug delivery strategy.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Efficient delivery of methotrexate (MTX) is crucial for cancer therapy.
- Chitosan-based nanoparticles offer potential for drug delivery applications.
- Targeted delivery systems can improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop lactobionic acid-decorated thymine-chitosan nanoparticles (LA-Thy-Cs NPs) for targeted delivery of MTX.
- To evaluate the physicochemical properties, drug loading, and release kinetics of the nanoparticles.
- To assess the in vitro cytotoxicity and anti-tumor effects of MTX-loaded LA-Thy-Cs NPs in hepatoma cells.
Main Methods:
- Preparation and characterization of thymine-chitosan nanoparticles (Thy-Cs NPs) and LA-Thy-Cs NPs.
- Loading of MTX into nanoparticles and assessment of drug loading content.
- Evaluation of MTX release profiles under different pH conditions.
- In vitro cellular uptake studies in hepatoma cells.
- Cytotoxicity assays and assessment of anti-tumor activity in 3D tumor spheroids.
Main Results:
- LA-Thy-Cs NPs exhibited a spherical structure (190-250 nm) with good stability.
- High MTX loading content (~20%) was achieved due to electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions.
- Accelerated MTX release was observed in mildly acidic environments.
- Efficient internalization of LA-Thy-Cs NPs into hepatoma cells led to enhanced cytotoxicity.
- MTX-loaded LA-Thy-Cs NPs demonstrated improved growth inhibition in 3D tumor spheroids.
Conclusions:
- LA-Thy-Cs NPs are a promising nanocarrier for efficient MTX delivery.
- Lactobionic acid decoration enhances tumor targeting and therapeutic efficacy.
- The developed nanoparticles show potential for improved liver cancer treatment.
