Synthesis and Study of Cross-Linked Chitosan-N-Poly(ethylene glycol) Nanoparticles

Abstract

The present investigation describes the synthesis and characterization of novel biodegradable nanoparticles based on chitosan. Poly(ethylene glycol) dicarboxylic acid was used for intramolecular cross-linking of the chitosan linear chains. The condensation reaction of carboxylic groups and pendant amino groups of chitosan was performed by using water-soluble carbodiimide. The prepared nanosystems were stable in aqueous media. The structure of the products was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and the particle size was identified by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements. It was found that biodegradable cross-linked chitosan nanoparticles experienced considerable swelling because of the length and flexibility of the cross-linking agent. The aqueous solutions or dispersions of nanoparticles were stable and clear or mildly opalescent systems depending on the ratio of cross-linking and molecular weight of chitosan, findings consistent with values of transmittance above 75%. Particle size measured by TEM varied in the range of 4-24 nm. In the swollen state, the average size of the individual particles measured by DLS was in the range of 50-120 nm depending on the molecular weight of chitosan and the ratio of cross-linking.

Facile Regioselective Synthesis of a Novel Chitosan–Pexiganan Conjugate with Potential Interest for the Treatment of Infected Skin Lesions

“…An alternative approach would be the synthesis of the peptide as a C-terminal carboxyl and then its attachment to the chitosan's amino groups by means of condensation agents such as a water-soluble carbodiimide, [34] which has been used in polymer chemistry as a cross-linking agent [35][36][37] and also to attach other peptides to the chitosan matrix.…”

Self-assembled poly(ε-caprolactone)-g-chondroitin sulfate copolymers as an intracellular doxorubicin delivery carrier against lung cancer cells

“…Since the TEM samples were done in a dehydrated state and those of DLS were in a solution, the larger particle diameters of the micelles observed in DLS could be attributed to the swelling behavior of the shell compartment. 23 The various concentrations of ε-caprolactone grafted onto chitosan from a molar ratio of 8/1 to 24/1 increased the hydrodynamic diameters from 47 to 113 nm. 24 The micellar particle size increased with an increase in the PCL segments; however, all values are smaller than that of CSMA-g-PCL.…”

Chitosan Mediated Targeted Drug Delivery System: A Review

“…Engineering the surface of the chitosan nanoparticles with PEG has attracted increasing attention because of its great potential in the therapeutic applications [113]. There are numerous publications that reviewed the importance and advantages of PEGylated nanoparticles for biological and pharmaceutical applications [114,115].…”

“…There are numerous publications that reviewed the importance and advantages of PEGylated nanoparticles for biological and pharmaceutical applications [114,115]. PEGylation of chitosan nanoparticles can increase their physical stability and prolong their circulation time in blood by reducing the removal by the reticuloendothelial system [113]. In addition, modi.cation of chitosan with PEG can decrease the positive charge of the particle surface.…”