Carbohydrate Polymers 2018-04-06

Cyclic nigerosyl-1,6-nigerose-based nanosponges: An innovative pH and time-controlled nanocarrier for improving cancer treatment

F. Caldera, M. Argenziano, F. Trotta, C. Dianzani, L. Gigliotti, M. Tannous, L. Pastero, D. Aquilano, T. Nishimoto, T. Higashiyama, R. Cavalli

Index: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.04.027

Full Text: HTML

Abstract

The design and structural optimisation of a novel polysaccharide-based nanomaterial for the controlled and sustained release of doxorubicin are here reported. A cross-linked polymer was obtained by reacting a tetraglucose, named cyclic nigerosyl-1-6-nigerose (CNN), with pyromellitic dianhydride. The cross-linking reaction formed solid nanoparticles, named nanosponges, able to swell as a function of the pH. Nanoparticle sizes were reduced using High Pressure Homogenization, to obtain uniform nanosuspensions. Doxorubicin was incorporated into the CNN-nanosponges in a good extent. DSC and solid state NMR analyses proved the drug interaction with the polymer matrix. In vitro studies demonstrated pH-dependent slow and prolonged release kinetics of the drug from the nanoformulation. Doxorubicin-loaded CNN-nanosponges were easily internalized in A2780 cell line. They might considered an intracellular doxorubicin reservoir, able to slowly release the drug over time. CNN-nanosponges may be promising biocompatible nanocarriers for the sustained delivery of doxorubicin with potential localised application in cancer treatments.