Chitosan nanoparticles crosslinked by glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane for pH triggered release of protein

pH-responsive-chitosan nanoparticles for the control release of protein drug were prepared by combining two-step crosslinking method, in which chitosan was subsequently crosslinked by sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) and glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS). Compared with TPP crosslinked chitosan particles, the two-step crosslinked nanoparticles were not only pH-responsive but also more stable in wide pH range. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled anti-human-IgG antibody was used as a model protein drug for evaluating the control release profile of the nano-carrier. The amount of released antibody increased from 5.6% to 50% when the pH of solution shifted from 7.4 to 6.0. The results suggest the possible application of the nanoparticles as pH-responsive drug delivery materials.