A Novel Drug Delivery System: Adenosine-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles

Abstract

Adenosine is currently limited in its application as a treatment for various cancers since intravenous infusion has not been successful due to enzymatic degradation. Entrapment/association of adenosine into chitosan nanoparticles offers a possible solution to this problem. Chitosan nanoparticles which are formed by ionotropic gelation.

The size, zeta potential, morphology, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release were investigated. In the swollen state, nanoparticle had an average size between 425 to 515 nm and a positive zeta potential, as measured by dynamic light scattering. Particle size measured by transition electron microscopy varied between 135 to 183 nm. Average entrapment efficiency in the range of 72 to 78% was achieved depending on initial adenosine loading and an average association efficiency of 84%. Release studies show that more than 98% of the adenosine remained entrapped/associated with the chitosan nanoparticles for at least 120 hours in PBS (pH 7.4).