Microfluidic fabrication of berberine-loaded nanoparticles for cancer treatment applications

Abstract

IntroductionProduction of chitosan nanoparticles using the ionic gelation method assisted by a microfluidic chip has not been studied extensively. Still, there are some dominant limitations to the production of chitosan nanoparticles utilizing this method and has been reported in previous studies. AimTo address this issue, the current study introduces a novel approach to diminishing those hurdles and systematically examines different microfluidic production processes which influence the production of chitosan/sodium tripolyphosphate nanoparticles (CSNPs) for drug delivery applications. This study aimed to enhance the anticancer effect of berberine by a unique nanoformulation approach using a microfluidic chip compared to free drug delivery. MethodIn this approach, by adjusting the preparation procedures, changing the chitosan concentration and flow rate ratio, and using acidic tripolyphosphate (pH < 4), six types of berberine-loaded CSNPs with different physical properties were fabricated. The drug release profile and cytotoxicity effect of selected samples were investigated using MTT and apoptosis assays, respectively. ResultsFinely dispersed berberine loaded chitosan nanoparticles (PDI<0.3) with an average size of (130–200 nm) were produced. By this nanoencapsulation method, the loading content of berberine was enhanced from 11 to 55%. Based on the size and drug loading content, three samples were chosen for In-vitro studies. According to the results of MTT and apoptosis assays it was found that selected berberine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles demonstrated anti-proliferative effects in treated cells compared to free berberine delivery. With the implemented strategy of this study, homogeneous continuous production of CSNPs as a proper drug carrier candidate for drug delivery applications without any limitation was facilitated.