Chitosan functionalized doxorubicin loaded poly(methacrylamide) based copolymeric nanoparticles for enhanced cellular...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

• Doxorubicin (Dox) faces limitations including short half-life, toxicity, and poor solubility.
• Novel nanocarrier systems are crucial for improving Dox delivery and therapeutic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) and N-(3-aminopropyl)methacrylamide (APMA) based copolymeric nanoparticles (P(HPMA-s-APMA) NPs).
• To evaluate chitosan (Cht)-coated P(HPMA-s-APMA) NPs for Dox delivery and assess their anticancer efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of P(HPMA-s-APMA) copolymeric nanoparticles.
• Chitosan coating to create positively charged nanoformulations.
• Evaluation of particle size, morphology, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release.
• Assessment of anticancer activity and cellular uptake in HeLa cancer cell line.

Main Results:

• P(HPMA-s-APMA)-Dox NPs had a particle size of 240-250 nm.
• Chitosan coating increased particle size and shifted zeta potential to positive.
• Encapsulation efficiency was 68.06% for Cht-P(HPMA-s-APMA)-Dox NPs.
• pH-dependent drug release observed, with faster release at pH 4.8.
• Cht-P(HPMA-s-APMA)-Dox NPs demonstrated significant cytotoxicity and cellular uptake in HeLa cells.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan-coated P(HPMA-s-APMA) nanoparticles are effective nanocarriers for doxorubicin.
• These nanoformulations offer improved cellular uptake and potent anticancer activity.
• The developed system shows promise for safer and more effective chemotherapy delivery.