N,O6-partially acetylated chitosan nanoparticles hydrophobically-modified for controlled release of steroids and vitamin E

► N,O-acetylchitosan was linked to steroids and vitamin E for controlled release. ► Resulting conjugate formed self-assembled nanoparticles in aqueous solution. ► Almost constant release rates were observed during the first 6-8 h. ► Brassinosteroids-modified nanoparticles showed good agrochemical activity. ► Tocopheryl-modified nanoparticles exhibited antioxidant activity in DPPH test.