Chitosan Tripolyphosphate Research Articles

Chitosan–sodium Tripolyphosphate–CuO Biopolymer–nanocomposite as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Water Splitting

Background: Fossil fuels have been used extensively as primary energy sources, which has resulted in nearly depleted reserves, a contaminated environment, and a variety of negative health effects globally. Hydrogen has been proposed by researchers as an effective “carbon neutral” fuel. Large-scale hydrogen production through electrochemical water splitting necessitates the use of inexpensive, extremely effective, and earth-abundant electrocatalysts. Method: In this study, chitosan–sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles are combined with CuO nanostructures to produce chitosan–TPP–CuO (CT/CuO) nanocomposite. Chitosan–TPP nanoparticles were first synthesized using the ionic gelation method. These nanoparticles were then extracted, and CuO was synthesized in situ in polymer nanoparticles using a simple chemical precipitation method. Chitosan and CuO are abundantly available and are environmentally beneficial materials. The porous structure and open channels within the chitosan polymer matrix host the CuO nanostructures, which promote electrolyte penetration, mass transport, and charge transfer, while the metal-oxide nanostructures act as catalytic centers. The structural and morphological properties of the CT/CuO nanocomposite were investigated using XRD, HRSEM, and HRTEM. The band gap and functional groups in the material were measured by UV–Vis DRS and FTIR methods, respectively. Elemental analysis was conducted utilizing EDS, HRSEM, and XPS. Thermal characteristics of the CT/CuO nanocomposite were investigated using TG-DTA and DSC methods. Electrochemical techniques were used to investigate the activities of HER and OER. Results: The XRD examination of the CT/CuO nanocomposite revealed semi-crystalline chitosan peaks and a monoclinic CuO structure. HRSEM and HRTEM pictures indicated that chitosan–TPP nanoparticles and CuO nanostructures were evenly spread and clustered to create a nanoparticulate matrix. UV–Vis DRS indicated that the CT/CuO nanocomposite had a direct band gap of 1.702 eV. The FTIR and XPS studies revealed the various bonds and oxidation states of the nanocomposite. Thermal analyses demonstrated that the inclusion of CuO increased the thermal stability of the CT/CuO nanocomposite. CT/CuO nanocomposite exhibited excellent OER and HER activity, requiring a low overpotential of 444 mV and 379 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and -10 mA cm−2, respectively. Conclusion: Biopolymer metal-oxide nanocomposites could potentially be used as electrocatalysts in water splitting, energy conversion, storage devices, sensors, and several other fields.

Synthesis, characterization of chitosan/tripolyphosphate nanoparticles loaded with 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetate sodium salt and its herbicidal activity against Bidens pilosa L.

Herbicides are widely used to control weeds in agriculture filed, however, the excessive use of the conventional formulation causes harmful side effects on the environment. To relieve this problem, natural polymer nanoparticles as herbicide carrier were rapidly developed and applied in recent years. In the present study, chitosan/tripolyphosphate (CS/TPP) nanoparticles were synthesized as nanocarrier to load herbicide 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetate sodium salt (MCPA-Na). The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 51.32% was obtained through measuring indirectly by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The free and MCPA-Na-loaded CS/TPP nanoparticles were characterized by using dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The encapsulation of MCPA-Na in CS/TPP nanoparticles resulted in the change of MCPA-Na release profile in different pH media and displayed effective sustained-release under neutral condition. The evaluation of herbicidal activity against Bidens pilosa L. showed that the efficacy enhancement of MCPA-Na was realized after encapsulation in CS/TPP nanoparticles. The proposed herbicide nanoformulation presented a good potential as a sustainable alternative for weed control in agriculture.

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan-modified membrane for urea slow-release fertilizers

BackgroundUrea is a fertilizer widely used by farmers, especially vegetable farmers, due to its high nitrogen content, around 46 %. However, plants only use a small amount of nitrogen, a maximum of 35 %, while the remaining nitrogen is wasted and released into the environment. Undeniably, it causes increases production costs and environmental problems. A slow-release urea fertilizer (SRF) has been formulated to resolve these issues. MethodsIn this study, the membrane was made of chitosan with several crosslinking agents such as Tripolyphosphate (TPP). In addition, calcium ion bonds are expected to increase the interaction with urea fertilizer through the encapsulation process. The resultsOur data showed that urea slow-release fertilizer (SRF) with the chitosan/TPP/Ca membrane, was successfully synthesized. This membrane has the characteristics of a thin white layer that is transparent. The physical and chemical characterization of SRF membranes with various coating membrane variations showed that the chitosan/TPP/Ca-urea membrane has Young's modulus of 7.75–22.05 N/mm2, swelling of 109.52–132.62 % and porosity of 0.756–1.06 %. Functional group analysis shows that several spectral changes indicate the presence of crosslinking process between the chitosan functional groups and TPP. The urea release results show that the membrane is released through a diffusion mechanism. Furthermore, SEM results show that these membranes have pores with various shapes and sizes. ConclusionBased on the result, it can be concluded that chitosan membrane modification with the addition of TPP and calcium oxide provides improved membrane characteristic cs including degree of development, hydrophobicity, membrane stress, and nitrogen release on the membrane. This membrane shows is indicating suitability as a slow-release fertilizer.

Effect of chitosan-tripolyphosphate to suppress anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.) in post-harvest chili

Anthracnose disease (Colletotrichum spp.) in chili can lead to low fruit quantity and quality from planting to the postharvest stage. The environmentally friendly management using chitosan (CS) is expected to suppress anthracnose disease and increase the shelf-life of chili. This study aimed to determine the effect of the chitosan-tripolyphosphate (CS-TPP) to suppress anthracnose on chili during postharvest storage through in-vitro and in-vivo assays. In the in-vitro assay, CS-TPP solution with a ratio of [5:2] and [3:1] was applied into a warm Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium. It was grown by Colletotrichum pathogen, while on in vivo assay, CS-TPP was applied to chili fruit before being inoculated by the pathogen. A control treatment was prepared without CS-TPP application. Results revealed that the CS-TPP ratios affected the growth of Colletotrichum spp. at the in-vitro assay. The CS-TPP [5:2] ratio was more effective than CS-TPP [3:1] in reducing the growth of Colletotrichum spp. with the fungal inhibition of 62,65% and 55,56%, respectively, compared to the control treatment. Moreover, it also showed anthracnose disease suppression on chili fruit of 51%, and 29%, respectively, compared to control treatment at in-vivo assay. This study showed the potential use of CS-TPP as a coating application for anthracnose disease management on storage chili, however further study such as viability and longevity of formula need to be done.

Release of TGF-β3 from Surface-Modified PCL Fiber Mats Triggers a Dose-Dependent Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.

The design of implants for tissue transitions remains a major scientific challenge. This is due to gradients in characteristics that need to be restored. The rotator cuff in the shoulder, with its direct osteo-tendinous junction (enthesis), is a prime example of such a transition. Our approach towards an optimized implant for entheses is based on electrospun fiber mats of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) as biodegradable scaffold material, loaded with biologically active factors. Chitosan/tripolyphosphate (CS/TPP) nanoparticles were used to load transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3) with increasing loading concentrations for the regeneration of the cartilage zone within direct entheses. Release experiments were performed, and the concentration of TGF-β3 in the release medium was determined by ELISA. Chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) was analyzed in the presence of released TGF-β3. The amount of released TGF-β3 increased with the use of higher loading concentrations. This correlated with larger cell pellets and an increase in chondrogenic marker genes (SOX9, COL2A1, COMP). These data were further supported by an increase in the glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-to-DNA ratio of the cell pellets. The results demonstrate an increase in the total release of TGF-β3 by loading higher concentrations to the implant, which led to the desired biological effect.

Ointment Formulation of Arumanis Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Leaf Extract with Chitosan Tripoliphosphate Matrix as Antibacterial

This report presented the synthesis of Arumanis mango (Mangifera indica L.) leaf extract with chitosan tripolyphosphate matrix and its antibacterial activity. This research aimed to obtain an ointment formulation from mango leaf extract with chitosan tripolyphosphate matrix, to figure out the characteristics, including the particle morphology, and to determine the optimum formulation and the characterization of the antibacterial ointment. The research showed that extract morphology with chitosan tripolyphosphate was uneven-edge aggregates. Antibacterial tests were conducted on P. acnes and E. coli bacteria. The formula giving the greatest antibacterial activity was further utilized for the ointment preparations and then was characterized for 16 days. Formula C (chitosan and NaTPP 1: 0.0992(%)) gave the most excellent inhibition zone for P. acnes and E. Coli bacteria, at 7.94 mm and 10.02 mm, respectively. The obtained ointment preparation was white color homogeneous semi-solid with protective properties. The spreading power of the ointment was 5.25 – 6.25 cm, with the adhesive power of 1 – 5 seconds and pH of 6.0 – 6.4. The ointment's antibacterial activity was tested against P. acnes and E. coli bacteria using the formation of inhibition zone method. The activity of ointment prepared on day one against P. acnes and E. coli was at 14.03 mm and 14.24 mm, respectively, while the activity on day 16 against P. acnes and E. coli was at 9.33 mm and 9.98 mm, respectively.

Simultaneous silencing of juvenile hormone metabolism genes through RNAi interrupts metamorphosis in the cotton boll weevil.

The cotton boll weevil (CBW) (Anthonomus grandis) is one of the major insect pests of cotton in Brazil. Currently, CBW control is mainly achieved by insecticide application, which is costly and insufficient to ensure effective crop protection. RNA interference (RNAi) has been used in gene function analysis and the development of insect control methods. However, some insect species respond poorly to RNAi, limiting the widespread application of this approach. Therefore, nanoparticles have been explored as an option to increase RNAi efficiency in recalcitrant insects. Herein, we investigated the potential of chitosan-tripolyphosphate (CS-TPP) and polyethylenimine (PEI) nanoparticles as a dsRNA carrier system to improve RNAi efficiency in the CBW. Different formulations of the nanoparticles with dsRNAs targeting genes associated with juvenile hormone metabolism, such as juvenile hormone diol kinase (JHDK), juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH), and methyl farnesoate hydrolase (MFE), were tested. The formulations were delivered to CBW larvae through injection (0.05-2µg), and the expression of the target genes was evaluated using RT-qPCR. PEI nanoparticles increased targeted gene silencing compared with naked dsRNAs (up to 80%), whereas CS-TPP-dsRNA nanoparticles decreased gene silencing (0%-20%) or led to the same level of gene silencing as the naked dsRNAs (up to 50%). We next evaluated the effects of targeting a single gene or simultaneously targeting two genes via the injection of naked dsRNAs or dsRNAs complexed with PEI (500ng) on CBW survival and phenotypes. Overall, the gene expression analysis showed that the treatments with PEI targeting either a single gene or multiple genes induced greater gene silencing than naked dsRNA (∼60%). In addition, the injection of dsJHEH/JHDK, either naked or complexed with PEI, significantly affected CBW survival (18% for PEI nanoparticles and 47% for naked dsRNA) and metamorphosis. Phenotypic alterations, such as uncompleted pupation or malformed pupae, suggested that JHEH and JHDK are involved in developmental regulation. Moreover, CBW larvae treated with dsJHEH/JHDK + PEI (1,000ng/g) exhibited significantly lower survival rate (55%) than those that were fed the same combination of naked dsRNAs (30%). Our findings demonstrated that PEI nanoparticles can be used as an effective tool for evaluating the biological role of target genes in the CBW as they increase the RNAi response.

Chitosan/tripolyphosphate nanoparticle as elastase inhibitory peptide carrier: characterization and its in vitro release study

This study is aimed at the preparation and evaluation of walnut meal-derived elastase inhibitory peptide loaded in chitosan-tripolyphosphate (CS-TPP) nanoparticles (NPs). It was shown that the maximum encapsulation efficiency of FFVPF could reach 94.58 ± 0.23%. TEM microphotographs, polydispersity index, and zeta-sizer reports indicated that FFVPF-loaded CS-TPP NPs were in nanometric range and were spherical, discrete, and uniform in size with PDI less than 0.3. FTIR analysis indicated that the peptides interacted with CS-TPP NPs through strong hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions. The CS-TPP FFVPF NPs showed better stability with heating treatment, pH treatment, or photochemical treatment. Moreover, the in vitro release profile of peptides was identified. The release rate of encapsulated FFVPF was released explosively to 77.22 ± 2.21% and gradually slowed down. These findings highlighted the prospect of CS-TPP NPs as an oral delivery system, and the application of peptides within food and pharmaceutical products.

OPTIMIZATION OF PROCESS PARAMETERS FOR DYE REMOVAL THROUGH CHITINOUS WASTE BY RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY

Color present in water itself first contaminant and dyes which are harmful for human is a vast problem. Chitinous waste a problem for environment can be an alternative approach for removal of dyes from water. Nanoparticles made up of chitinous waste are used in this study. Chitosantripolyphosphate (CS-TPP) nanoparticles showed prominent result in removal of reactive blue 19 and reactive blue 198 dyes. Both the dyes were totally (100%) removed by the use of CS-TPP. Statistical analysis though Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Box Behnken Design (BBD) to optimize pH and concentration were also carried out. After optimization it was evaluated that pH 6.5 and higher Chitosan-TPP concentration showed the highest removal of dyes.

A β-(1-4) linked polysaccharide (Chitosan) in tripolyphosphate-zinc oxide (CTPP-ZnO) eco-conductive membrane

In article, we have reported a β-(1-4) linked polysaccharide as chitosan is crosslinking to tripolyphosphate (TPP) which on impregnated with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, formed an ecofreindly chitosan tripolyphosphate - zinc oxide (CTPP-ZnO) membrane film. These CTPP-ZnO membrane act as conductive behavior and serve as a good adsorbent or to improve the antifouling performance in membrane surface. In synthesis of CTPP-ZnO membrane, the concentrations of TPP is being 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% about at pH 5.0 with chitosan. Then CTPP is dried over to ZnO at 60 °C until a CTPP-zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film is formed. The membrane performance test have been checked by using of methylene blue pigment dye when 4 ppm concentration is passed through the membrane. The addition of ZnO reported that the interaction of methylene blue and ZnO nanoparticles mainly consider as the ionic bonding between the positively charged of ZnO and negatively charged of methylene blue (-SO3-), which led to affect in hydrophilicity of polyelectrolyte membrane with high performance to reverse transport in osmosis during performance test.

Spatially and Temporally Controllable BMP-2 and TGF-β3 Double Release From Polycaprolactone Fiber Scaffolds via Chitosan-Based Polyelectrolyte Coatings.

Temporally and spatially controlled growth factor release from a polycaprolactone fiber mat, which also provides a matrix for directional cell colonization and infiltration, could be a promising regenerative approach for degenerated tendon-bone junctions. For this purpose, polycaprolactone fiber mats were coated with tailored chitosan-based nanogels to bind and release the growth factors bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3), respectively. In this work we provide meaningful in vitro data for the understanding of the drug delivery performance and sterilizability of novel implant prototypes in order to lay the foundation for in vivo testing. ELISA-based in vitro release studies were used to investigate the spatial and temporal control of release, as well as the influence of radiation sterilization on protein activity and release behavior. Layer-by-layer coatings based on BMP-2-containing chitosan tripolyphosphate nanogel particles and negatively charged alginate showed a good sustainment of BMP-2 release from chemically modified polycaprolactone fiber mats. Release control improved with increasing layer numbers. The approach of controlling the release via a barrier of cross-linked chitosan azide proved less promising. By using a simple, partial immersion-based dip-coating process, it was possible to apply opposing gradients of the growth factors BMP-2 and TGF-β3. Final radiation sterilization of the growth factor-loaded implant prototypes resulted in a radiation dose-correlated degradation of the growth factors, which could be prevented by lyophilization into protective matrices. For the manufacture of sterile implants, the growth factor loading step must probably be carried out under aseptic conditions. The layer-by-layer coated implant prototypes provided sustained release from opposing gradients of the growth factors BMP-2 and TGF-β3 and thus represent a promising approach for the restoration of tendon-bone defects.

Chitosan-Hyaluronan Nanoparticles for Vinblastine Sulfate Delivery: Characterization and Internalization Studies on K-562 Cells.

In the present study, we developed chitosan/hyaluronan nanoparticles (CS/HY NPs) for tumor targeting with vinblastine sulfate (VBL), that can be directed to the CD44 transmembrane receptor, over-expressed in cancer cells. NPs were prepared by coating with HY-preformed chitosan/tripolyphosphate (CS/TPP) NPs, or by polyelectrolyte complexation of CS with HY. NPs with a mean hydrodynamic radius (RH) of 110 nm, 12% polydispersity index and negative zeta potential values were obtained by a direct complexation process. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images showed spherical NPs with a non-homogeneous matrix, probably due to a random localization of CS and HY interacting chains. The intermolecular interactions occurring between CS and HY upon NPs formation were experimentally evidenced by micro-Raman (µ-Raman) spectroscopy, through the analysis of the spectral changes of characteristic vibrational bands of HY during NP formation, in order to reveal the involvement of specific chemical groups in the process. Optimized NP formulation efficiently encapsulated VBL, producing a drug sustained release for 20 h. In vitro studies demonstrated a fast internalization of labeled CS/HY NPs (within 6 h) on K-562 human myeloid leukemia cells. Pre-saturation of CD44 by free HY produced a slowing-down of NP uptake over 24 h, demonstrating the need of CD44 for the internalization of HY-based NPs.

Development and In Vitro Cytotoxicity of Citrus sinensis Oil-Loaded Chitosan Electrostatic Complexes

Electrostatic complexes based on chitosan, lecithin, and sodium tripolyphosphate were produced and evaluated with respect to their encapsulation capacity and cytotoxicity. Physical chemical properties were determined by zeta potential values and size distributions. For encapsulation assays, the emulsification method was followed, and Citrus senensis peel oil was utilized as volatile compound model. Morphology of complexes with oil incorporated was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The cytotoxicity of complexes was related to cell viability of zebrafish hepatocytes. The complexes produced presented positive Zeta potential values and size distributions dependent on the mass ratio between compounds. Higher concentrations of sodium tripolyphosphate promote significant changes (p < 0.05) in zeta values, which did not occur at smaller concentrations of the crosslinking agent. These complexes were able to encapsulate Citrus sinensis peel oil, with encapsulation efficiency higher than 50%. Cytotoxicity profiles showed that in a range of concentrations (0.1–100 μg/mL) studied, they did not promote cellular damage in zebrafish liver cells, being potential materials for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic oil-in-water emulsion separation membrane modified by the co-deposition of polydopamine and chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles

Environmentally friendly separation materials are essential for separating emulsified oil-water mixtures. The nylon membrane has been facilely converted into highly hydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic via a simple one-step co-deposition of polydopamine and chitosan-tripolyphosphate (CS-TPP) nanoparticles, wherein the CS-TPP particles were prepared by the ion gel method. The modified membrane exhibited excellent antifouling performance with the underwater oil contact Angle (UOCA) at 179.6°. The prepared environmental CS-TPP@PDA@nylon membrane was characterized by SEM, EDS, FTIR, and XPS. The membrane could separate various oil-in-water emulsions in a wide range of average particle sizes (50.9–1832.0 nm). In addition, the CS-TPP@PDA@nylon membrane demonstrated high permeation flux (221.0–1770.5 L m−2 h−1) and good regeneration ability. The flux could still maintain more than 89% even after fifteen cycles. The degradable modification materials and simple preparation process would highlight the potential of modified membranes in large-scale production and green oily wastewater treatment.

Polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers encompass Chitosan/Tripolyphosphate nanogels for controlled release of gemifloxacin antibiotic

To reduce the risk of antibiotics overuse and associated side-effects, development of drug delivery systems (DDS) are necessary. In the present study tripolyphosphate (TPP)/chitosan (CS) nanogels were synthesized and loaded into Polyvinylalcohol (PVA) nanofibers through electrospinning –elctrospraying. The synthesized electrospun scaffolds applied for controlled release of antibiotics e.g. gemifloxacin. For this purpose in the first step Chitosan/Tripolyphosphate (CS/TPP) Nanogels containing antibiotic drugs were synthesized. In the second step the PVA nanofibers were produced using electrospinning while the nanogels were simultaneously electrosprayed on the surface of as-prepared PVA and so the nanofibrous scaffolds including antibiotics loaded nanogels were fabricated (CS/TSS + antibiotics@PVA).Aside from synthesis and characterization of CS/TSS + antibiotics@PVA nanofibers, the antibiotics load and release experiments were performed for evaluation their DDS potential application. Both pristine and drug-loaded samples were analyzed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Zeta potential test. Spectroscopic results indicate that the uptake of each antibiotic candidate is performed effectively in CS/TSS + antibiotics@PVA nanofibers. The release experiments confirm the controlled response of nanofiberes and steady deliverance of antibiotics. Fig. 1 shows the SEM images of preparednanofibers and nanogels, ATR-FTIR spectrum and obtained release pattern.

Development of Chitosan–Tripolyphosphate Nanoparticles as Glycopeptide Antibiotic Reservoirs and Ex vivo Evaluation for Their Potential to Enhance the Corneal Permeation in Ocular Drug Delivery

Purpose: The present investigation aimed to prepare Vancomycin-loaded nanoparticles (VAN-NPs) using chitosan (CS) and tripolyphosphate (TPP) besides exploring the effects of changing CS/TPP ratio on the physicochemical properties, corneal permeation, and ocular delivery of the prepared NPs. Methods: Different pre-formulations were prepared using the modified ionic gelation process, then were characterized in terms of size distribution. Optimized formulations were furtherly evaluated by some characteristic tools such as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The in vitro antimicrobial efficacy and drug release amounts along with the Ex-vivo corneal permeation of NPs through the sheep cornea were investigated. Quantification was performed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Results: Spherical and uniformly distributed NPs were developed with a mean particle size varied between 215–290 nm. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that the CS/TPP cross-linking has taken place without affecting the pharmacologically active moiety of the drug. The obtained zeta potential values were in the range of +34 to +37 mV, which could ensure the stability of formulations. TGA analysis indicated enhanced thermal stability for the encapsulated drug compared to the plain drug. Formulations indicated suitable antimicrobial efficacy while releasing more than 90% of the drug during 24 h. NPs offered a 10-fold enhancement in corneal permeation compared to the drug solution. Conclusions: Although further in vivo evaluation is still required to completely confirm the efficacy of the formulations, the enhanced release and corneal permeation of the drug suggest that the prepared NPs are suitable for ocular delivery of VAN.

Chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles-mediated co-delivery of MTHFD1L shRNA and 5-aminolevulinic acid for combination photodynamic-gene therapy in oral cancer

BackgroundRationally designed nanostructured materials can produce improved drug carriers that play an increasingly important role in cancer treatment. In comparison with conventional drug combination approaches, using co-delivery systems of multiple drugs achieves sophisticated targeting strategies and multifunctionality. MethodsFirst, a nano-co-delivery of chitosan/tripolyphosphate (CS-TPP) was synthesized and characterized combining 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) with methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1-like (MTHFD1L) shRNA. In this report, we investigated the efficacy of the simultaneous delivery of shRNA/photosensitizer on the gene expression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. The efficacy of CS-TPP-(shMTHFD1L-ALA)-PDT in inducing apoptosis and in generating of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro was then assessed by Annexin V-PI and DCFH-DA assays respectively. In vivo therapeutic experiments were conducted in well-established orthotopic animal models of HNSCC. ResultsThe results showed that the CS-TPP-(shMTHFD1L-ALA) nanoparticles (NPs) were approximately 145 nm in size. The cytotoxicity of OSCC cells was significantly increased by co-delivery of MTHFD1L shRNA and ALA-PDT compared with other groups. Furthermore, individual and combined therapies revealed remarkable pro-apoptotic, ROS and anti-tumorigenesis effects, and CS-TPP-(shMTHFD1L-ALA)-PDT had additive effects in vitro and in vivo. ConclusionThese observations indicate that CS-TPP-(shMTHFD1L-ALA) NPs may be an ideal candidate for gene/photosensitizer delivery.

Ginsenoside Rh2 Suppresses Metastasis and Growth of Colon Cancer via miR-491.

Ginsenoside Rh2 is considered as a new direction for future cancer treatment because of its excellent anticancer effect. However, due to its low bioavailability, it cannot exert its significant anticancer effect when applied directly to the human body. Chitosan (CS), a nanomaterial, has been verified to be able to enhance drug efficacy via its coating for drugs. Thus, we designed this study to investigate the impact of CS-coated ginsenoside Rh2 on the metastasis and growth of colon cancer (CC). First, ginsenoside Rh2 chitosan tripolyphosphate (CS-Rh2-TPP) nanoparticles (NPs) were constructed, and MTT, transwell, scratch adhesion, and flow cytometry assays were carried out for determining the impact of CS-Rh2-TPP at various concentrations on growth, metastasis, and apoptosis of colon cancer cells (CCCs). qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of mircoRNA-491 (miR-491) in CCCs. According to TEM-based image analysis, CS-Rh2-TPP NPs were spherical or spheroidal in even distribution, with a particle size of about 220 mm and a zeta potential of −44.58 ± 2.84 mV. Additionally, CCCs presented lower miR-491 than normal colon cells, and its relative expression in CCCs showed a stronger increase after intervention of CS-Rh2-TPP than that after intervention of ginsenoside Rh2. Moreover, CS-Rh2-TPP suppressed the activity, invasion, as well as migration of CCCs and accelerated their apoptosis more significantly than ginsenoside Rh2. According to these results, CS-Rh2-TPP is able to upregulate miR-491 in CCCs, thus suppressing the metastasis and growth of CC.

Formulation of cartap hydrochloride crosslinked chitosan tripolyphosphate nanospheres and its characterization

Formulation of cartap hydrochloride crosslinked chitosan tripolyphosphate nanospheres and its characterization

Structure and antimicrobial comparison between N-(benzyl) chitosan derivatives and N-(benzyl) chitosan tripolyphosphate nanoparticles against bacteria, fungi, and yeast

Chitosan (Ch) was reacted with seven benzaldehyde analogs separately through reductive amination in which the corresponding imines were formed and followed by reduction to produce N-(benzyl) chitosan (NBCh) derivatives. 1H NMR spectroscopy was used to characterize the products. The nanoparticles (NPs) of Ch and NBCh derivatives were prepared according to the ionotropic gelation mechanism between Ch products and sodium tripolyphosphate, followed by high-energy ultrasonication. Scanning electron microscopy, particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential were applied for the NPs examination. The particle size was ranged from 235.17 to 686.90 nm and narrow size distribution (PDI <1). The zeta potential of NPs was varied between −1.26 and −27.50 mV. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against bacteria (Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica, Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora, and Ralstonia solanacearum), fungi (Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger), and yeast (Candida albicans). The action of NBCh derivatives was significantly higher than Ch. The NPs had considerably higher than the Ch and NBCh derivatives. The activity was directly proportional to the chemical derivatization of Ch and the zeta potential of the NPs. The antimicrobial efficacy of these derivatives formulated in a greener approach could become an alternative to using traditional antimicrobial applications in an environmentally friendly manner.