Biological Properties of the Aggregated Form of Chitosan Magnetic Nanoparticle

Abstract

Background/aim: Chitosan-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Chi-NP) have gained attention because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity and targetability under magnetic field. In this study, we investigated various biological properties of Chi-NP.

Materials and methods: Chi-NP was prepared by mixing magnetic NP with chitosan FL-80. Particle size was determined by scanning and transmission electron microscopes, cell viability by MTT assay, cell cycle distribution by cell sorter, synergism with anticancer drugs by combination index, PGE₂ production in human gingival fibroblast was assayed by ELISA.

Results: The synthetic process of Chi-NP from FL-80 and magnetic NP increased the affinity to cells, up to the level attained by nanofibers. Upon contact with the culture medium, Chi-NP instantly formed aggregates and interfered with intracellular uptake. Aggregated Chi-NP did not show cytotoxicity, synergism with anticancer drugs, induce apoptosis (accumulation of subG1 cell population), protect the cells from X-ray-induced damage, nor affected both basal and IL-1β-induced PGE₂ production.

Conclusion: Chi-NP is biologically inert and shows high affinity to cells, further confirming its superiority as a scaffold for drug delivery.

Keywords: Chitosan; X-ray sensitivity; affinity; cytotoxicity; inflammation; magnetic nanoparticle; uptake.