Sulfated Polysaccharide–Chitosan Nanocomposite Particles as a Drug Carrier

Jan 22, 2025

Editor: Sarah

A recent study titled “Antiviral and Antibacterial Sulfated Polysaccharide–Chitosan Nanocomposite Particles as a Drug Carrier” by Yin et al. (2023) explores a new method in the development of drug delivery systems (DDS). This research introduces sulfated polysaccharide–chitosan nanocomposite particles (APC), which integrate antiviral, antibacterial, and pH-sensitive drug release capabilities. By addressing key challenges in DDS, such as balancing therapeutic precision with minimal side effects, this study provides a potential pathway for more efficient drug delivery.

Key Contributions and Findings – A Multifunctional Drug Delivery Platform

The study by Yin et al. significantly advances the field of drug delivery by combining sulfated polysaccharides (AP) with chitosan (CS) to create nanoparticles with enhanced properties. These nanoparticles, with an average diameter of approximately 160 nm, exhibit a range of beneficial characteristics, making them a versatile platform for drug delivery. Some of the key findings from the study include:

  1. pH-Sensitive Drug Release: The APC nanoparticles remain stable at physiological pH (7.4), mimicking the body’s natural conditions. However, these nanoparticles exhibit a responsive behavior to acidic and alkaline environments, enabling targeted drug release. This pH-sensitivity could be crucial in delivering drugs specifically to affected areas of the body, such as tumor sites or inflamed tissues, where the local pH is altered.

Figure 1: The stability and pH sensitivity of APC nanoparticles as detected by the hydrodynamic diameters versus immersion time.

  1. Antibacterial and Antiviral Efficacy: The APC nanoparticles demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, effectively targeting Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. They also exhibited promising antiviral properties, successfully inhibiting the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), with an effective concentration (EC50) of 6.596 µg/mL. These findings highlight the dual-action potential of APC nanoparticles in addressing both bacterial and viral pathogens.

Figure 2: Dose-dependent antiviral activities of CS, AP, and APC.

Figure 3: The antibacterial profiles for CS, AP, and APC against.

  1. Drug Delivery Versatility: One of the key advantages of APC nanoparticles is their ability to deliver a variety of drug types, including hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and protein-based drugs. In the study, the nanoparticles were shown to reduce lung cancer cell proliferation by 40%, demonstrating their potential in cancer therapy. Additionally, APC nanoparticles promoted the growth of neural stem cells, suggesting their possible use in regenerative medicine. This versatility in drug delivery positions the APC nanoparticles as a multifunctional tool in treating diverse diseases.

Development and Characterization of APC Nanoparticles

To develop APC nanoparticles, Yin et al. utilized the electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged sulfated polysaccharides (AP) and the positively charged chitosan (CS). This interaction allowed for the formation of stable nanoparticles, which were then optimized for size and drug-loading capacity.

Figure 4: A schematic diagram for the formation of the APC nanoparticles and the potential structural changes in response to the surroundings of different pH values.

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to characterize the morphology of the nanoparticles, providing detailed images of their spherical shape and uniform size distribution. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was also used to assess the thermal stability of the nanoparticles, ensuring their robustness under different conditions.

The functionality of APC nanoparticles was thoroughly evaluated through a series of in vitro tests. Antibacterial assays demonstrated the nanoparticles’ ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, while antiviral assays confirmed their efficacy against HSV-2. Drug release studies were conducted at various pH levels to assess the responsiveness of the nanoparticles to changes in the microenvironment. Additionally, cellular studies were performed using human lung cancer cells and neural stem cells, providing insight into the biocompatibility and therapeutic potential of the APC nanoparticles.

Figure 5: TEM images of APC nanoparticles. APC2 nanoparticles were observed initially at day 0 (A) and were immersed for 7 days at pH 4 (B), pH 7 (C), and pH 10 (D) for observation.

Versatility Across Public Health and Pharmaceuticals

  1. Public Health:
  • The dual antibacterial and antiviral capabilities of APC nanoparticles make them a valuable tool in addressing infectious diseases.
  • By simultaneously targeting bacteria and viruses, including antibiotic-resistant strains and HSV-2, these nanoparticles offer a multi-functional approach that could reduce dependency on separate treatments, advancing the fight against a wide range of pathogens.
  • Their application could be extended to addressing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, offering a multi-pronged approach to pathogen control.
  • Pharmaceutical Industry:
  • The pH-sensitive drug release mechanism ensures targeted delivery to specific body environments, such as acidic tumor sites or inflamed tissues, minimizing off-target effects.
  • APC nanoparticles can encapsulate and deliver a range of drug types, including hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and protein-based drugs, enhancing their versatility in drug formulation.
  • The stable release kinetics under varying pH levels reduces the risk of premature drug release, improving therapeutic efficacy.

Figure 6: The release profiles of HEBR from the APC-H complex nanoparticles under different pH values for 24 h (in MES buffer).

  • Biomedical Research:
  • The biocompatibility of APC nanoparticles supports their use in regenerative medicine, particularly in promoting the growth of neural stem cells while retaining inhibitory effects on cancer cells.
  • These nanoparticles could facilitate the development of multifunctional therapeutic platforms combining drug delivery with infection control.
  • The study highlights their potential as carriers for advanced therapies, including targeted cancer treatment and tissue engineering.
  • Future Directions:
  • Exploration of APC nanoparticles in combination with other therapeutic agents to further enhance their multifunctionality.
  • Investigation into their long-term stability, biodegradability, and performance in vivo to support clinical translation.
  • Development of APC-based therapies for emerging infectious diseases and chronic conditions requiring multi-targeted approaches.

Advancing Multifunctional Nanoparticle Solutions

Building on the established biological properties of sulfated polysaccharides and chitosan, Yin et al. innovatively created a multifunctional nanoparticle system tailored for drug delivery challenges. This study bridges existing knowledge with real-world applications, addressing issues like pathogen control, targeted drug release, and regenerative medicine, making it a cornerstone for future therapeutic advancements. As researchers continue to explore the clinical potential of these nanoparticles, they hold immense promise for transforming healthcare practices and improving patient outcomes across diverse medical fields.

Reference

Yin, Ai-Yi, et al. “Antiviral and Antibacterial Sulfated Polysaccharide–Chitosan Nanocomposite Particles as a Drug Carrier.” Molecules, vol. 28, no. 5, 2023, article 2105. MDPI, doi:10.3390/molecules28052105.