Antiviral and Antibacterial Sulfated Polysaccharide–Chitosan Nanocomposite Particles as a Drug Carrier

Abstract

Drug delivery system (DDS) refers to the method of delivering drugs to the targeted sites with minimal risk. One popular strategy of DDS is using nanoparticles as a drug carrier, which are made from biocompatible and degradable polymers. Here, nanoparticles composed of Arthrospira-derived sulfated polysaccharide (AP) and chitosan were developed and expected to possess the capabilities of antiviral, antibacterial, and pH-sensitive properties. The composite nanoparticles, abbreviated as APC, were optimized for stability of morphology and size (~160 nm) in the physiological environment (pH = 7.4). Potent antibacterial (over 2 μg/mL) and antiviral (over 6.596 μg/mL) properties were verified in vitro. The pH-sensitive release behavior and release kinetics of drug-loaded APC nanoparticles were examined for various categories of drugs, including hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and protein drugs, under different pH values of the surroundings. Effects of APC nanoparticles were also evaluated in lung cancer cells and neural stem cells. The use of APC nanoparticles as a drug delivery system maintained the bioactivity of the drug to inhibit the proliferation of lung cancer cells (with ~40% reduction) and to relieve the growth inhibitory effect on neural stem cells. These findings indicate that the pH-sensitive and biocompatible composite nanoparticles of sulfated polysaccharide and chitosan well keep the antiviral and antibacterial properties and may serve as a promising multifunctional drug carrier for further biomedical applications.

Cellular infiltration in an injectable sulfated cellulose nanocrystal hydrogel and efficient angiogenesis by VEGF loading

“…Especially, CNC-S showed a much thinner fibrous capsule formation compared to CNC-DS, implying even milder foreign body response and better biocompatibility by the presence of the sulfate groups. In fact, sulfation has been utilized to enhance the biocompatibility of various polymers [ 49 , 50 ]. Sulfated polymers showed enhanced swelling properties [ 51 ] and biocompatibility [ 52 ] as well as various biological activities.…”

An Overview of Nanoparticle Properties and Their Bioactivity

“…Reports on vaccine production have shed light on the promise of antiviral nanoparticles [208,256]. Nanoparticles also play a role in the diagnostics of certain infections and diseases caused by viruses.…”

“…Nanoparticles can be engineered to improve bioactivity by protecting encapsulated bioactive compounds from degradation [224]. When nanoparticles are used as carrier bioactive molecules, the rate of metabolism in the cell can be enhanced or reduced, making such reaction times longer [256]. Delayed-release bioactive nanoparticles can optimize the antibacterial or antiviral ability of the nanoparticle.…”

“…In antimicrobial research, the size of the nanoparticle also affects its ability to enter cells and its ability to be used as a carrier molecule in drug delivery and vaccine production [256]. This attribute of NPs with a range of uses have enabled them stand out and remain relevant in the future of Multi-Drug Resistance solution research [90,254].…”