Aim:
This study aimed to explore an affordable technique for the fabrication of Chitosan Nanoshuttles (CSNS) at the
ultrafine nanoscale less than 100 nm with improved physicochemical properties, and cytotoxicity on the MCF-7 cell line.
Background:
Despite several studies reported that the antitumor effect of CS and CSNS could achieve intracellular compartment target ability, no enough available about this issue and further studies are required to address this assumption.
Objectives:
The objective of the current study was to investigate the potential processing variables for the production of ultrafine CSNS (> 100 nm) using Box-Benhken Design factorial design (BBD). This was achieved through a study of the
effects of processing factors, such as CS concentration, CS/TPP ratio, and pH of the CS solution, on PS, PDI, and ZP.
Moreover, the obtained CSNS was evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, morphology Also, hemocompatibility, and
cytotoxicity using Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and MCF-7 cell lines were investigated.
Methods:
Box-Benhken Design factorial design (BBD) was used in the analysis of different selected variables. The effects of
CS concentration, sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) ratio, and pH on particle size, Polydispersity Index (PDI), and Zeta Potential
(ZP) were measured. Subsequently, the prepared CS nanoshuttles were exposed to stability studies, physicochemical characterization, hemocompatibility, and cytotoxicity using red blood cells and MCF-7 cell lines as surrogate models for in vivo study.
Result:
The present results revealed that the optimized CSNS have ultrafine nanosize, (78.3±0.22 nm), homogenous with
PDI (0.131±0.11), and ZP (31.9±0.25 mV). Moreover, CSNS have a spherical shape, amorphous in structure, and physically
stable. Also, CSNS has biological safety as indicated by a gentle effect on red blood cell hemolysis, besides, the obtained
nanoshuttles decrease MCF-7 viability.
Conclusion:
The present findings concluded that the developed ultrafine CSNS has unique properties with enhanced cytotoxicity. thus promising for use in intracellular organelles drug delivery.
