A novel formulation of chitosan nanoparticles functionalized with titanium dioxide nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) are versatile drug carriers.
• Controlled degradation of CS-NPs is crucial for on-demand drug release.
• Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) can be used as triggers for material degradation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and chemically functionalize CS-NPs with TiO2-NPs.
• To investigate the controlled, UV-triggered degradation of these functionalized CS-NPs.
• To evaluate the potential for on-demand drug release.

Main Methods:

• Preparation and characterization of CS-NPs functionalized with TiO2-NPs.
• Analysis of particle size, charge, and polydispersity.
• Investigation of TiO2-NP deposition using microscopy and spectroscopy (SEM, FTIR, XRD).
• Rhodamine dye loading and UV-triggered release studies.

Main Results:

• Eleven formulations of CS-NPs functionalized with TiO2-NPs were successfully prepared.
• Particle sizes ranged from 170-440 nm with charges from +5 to +34 mV, indicating high monodispersity.
• SEM, FTIR, and XRD confirmed the chemical deposition of TiO2-NPs onto CS-NPs.
• The deposition process was found to be saturated and influenced by CS-NP size and TiO2-NP amount.
• UV irradiation triggered the release of Rhodamine, with release intensity correlated to the amount of deposited TiO2-NPs.

Conclusions:

• Functionalization of CS-NPs with TiO2-NPs provides a controllable method for UV-triggered degradation.
• This approach enables on-demand rupture of CS-NPs, facilitating controlled drug release.
• The developed system holds promise for responsive drug delivery applications.