Polysaccharide gel nanoparticles modified by the Layer-by-Layer technique for biomedical applications

Abstract

Polysaccharide hydrogels have gained in recent years a considerable attention as one of the most promising materials for biomedical applications. Since they are of natural origin, with high biocompatibility and biodegradability, they are desirable materials in design of novel drug delivery devices. We prepared and characterized polysaccharide, alginate or pectin gel nanoparticles. They were prepared by the reverse microemulsions and physical crosslinking method by calcium (alginate) and zinc (pectin) ions. The average size of synthesized nanoparticles was ∼100nm and the batch concentration was 1010 particles/ml. Morphology of obtained gels nanoparticles were visualized by Cryo-Scanning Electron Microscopy. Then, surface of nanogels was modified by the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technique using natural and synthetic polyelectrolytes. Encapsulation of fluorescent dyes (Rhodamine b and 5-aminofluorescein) in nanogels networks was performed. Cytotoxicity of non-modified and LbL modified nanoparticles was evaluated by the cellular viability quantification and cell death assessments using MTT and LDH biochemical tests, respectively.