In vitro evaluation of paclitaxel loaded amorphous chitin nanoparticles for colon cancer drug delivery

Chitin and its derivatives have been widely used in drug delivery applications due to its biocompatible, biodegradable and non-toxic nature. In this study, we have developed amorphous chitin nanoparticles (150 ± 50 nm) and evaluated its potential as a drug delivery system. Paclitaxel (PTX), a major chemotherapeutic agent was loaded into amorphous chitin nanoparticles (AC NPs) through ionic cross-linking reaction using TPP. The prepared PTX loaded AC NPs had an average diameter of 200 ± 50 nm. Physico-chemical characterization of the prepared nanoparticles was carried out. These nanoparticles were proven to be hemocompatible and in vitro drug release studies showed a sustained release of PTX. Cellular internalization of the NPs was confirmed by fluorescent microscopy as well as by flow cytometry. Anticancer activity studies proved the toxicity of PTX-AC NPs toward colon cancer cells. These preliminary results indicate the potential of PTX-AC NPs in colon cancer drug delivery.

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► Novel cremophore free paclitaxel loaded amorphous chitin nanoparticles were developed.
► The anticancer effect of these nanoparticles were proved by MTT and apoptosis assays.
► The results obtained showed preferential cell death in colon cancer cells.
► Unlike bare drug, the novel system showed less toxicity toward normal cells.