Biodegradable polymeric nanocapsules (NC) present incredible characteristics as drug nanocarriers that optimize drug targeting. However, However, a more detailed isolated effect of polymer-based nanoparticles as drug carriers is required. This work aimed to evaluate the per se effect of blank-NC (NC-B) with different surface characteristics both in vitro and in vivo toxicity. NC1-B (Polysorbate 80 coated poly(ɛ-caprolactone) NC), NC2-B (polyethylene glycol 6000 coated poly(ɛ-caprolactone) NC), NC3-B (chitosan-coated poly(ɛ-caprolactone) NC) and NC4-B (Eudragit® RS100 NC) were prepared by nanoprecipitation method. Formulations were characterized by particle size, zeta potential, and pH. The in vitro cytotoxicity tests against tumor cell lines were performed (HepG2 and MCF-7). Antiviral activity was evaluated by MTT in Vero cells infected with HSV-1 (KOS strain). In vivo evaluation was performed in apomorphine-induced stereotypy in Wistar rats and locomotor activity distance, head movements, and rearing behavior were measured. NC1-B, NC2-B, NC3-B, and NC4-B had a diameter under 350 nm. The pH and zeta potential of formulations varied according to their coating. For in vitro evaluation of antitumor activity and antiviral activity, one-way ANOVA showed no significant differences in cell viability. In vivo tests showed low neurological effects. In conclusion, different surface characteristics of NC-B did not demonstrate toxicity against the evaluated cell lines HepG2 and MCF-7, antiviral effect against HSV-1, and the neurological effects in a stereotyping model were low and may be attributed to the per se effect of NC-B.
Keywords: Blank nanocapsules; Chitosan; Eudragit; PEG; Polysorbate 80; per se effect.
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