Investigating of the physico-chemistry thiolated dextran derivatives

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Controlled release of hydrophobic molecules remains a challenge in drug delivery.
• Dextran, a polysaccharide, offers biocompatibility and biodegradability.
• Redox-responsive systems can be triggered by intracellular reducing agents like glutathione.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel redox-responsive dextran-based nanoparticles for controlled hydrophobic drug release.
• To investigate the self-organization of thiolated dextran derivatives.
• To evaluate the encapsulation efficiency, release kinetics, and biocompatibility of the developed carriers.

Main Methods:

• Dextran modification with thiol derivatives to create thiolated dextran.
• Nanoparticle formation and characterization, including size and morphology.
• Encapsulation of hydrophobic molecules (Nile red dye).
• In vitro release studies triggered by glutathione.
• Cytotoxicity assessment using living cells.

Main Results:

• Thiolated dextran self-organized into nanoparticles capable of emulsifying hydrophobic substances.
• Effective encapsulation of hydrophobic molecules like Nile red dye was achieved.
• Disulfide bonds within the nanoparticles were cleaved by glutathione, leading to rapid release of encapsulated cargo under physiological conditions.
• The dextran-based nanoparticles exhibited no toxicity to living cells.

Conclusions:

• Thiolated dextran nanoparticles are effective carriers for hydrophobic molecules.
• Redox-responsive release triggered by glutathione enables controlled delivery.
• These biocompatible and non-toxic nanoparticles show significant potential for pharmaceutical applications.