Development and biological evaluation of protective effect of kidney targeted N-acetylated chitosan nanoparticles containing thymoquinone for the treatment of DNA damage in cyclophosphamide-induced haemorrhagic cystitis

Chitosan: An overview of its properties, solubility, functional technologies, food and health applications

The properties and potential applications of chitosan have attracted a lot of interest; each year, the number of publications and patents based on this polymer increases. A significant obstacle to the application of chitosan is its limited solubility in basic and neutral solutions. The fact that chitosan is a series of molecules with variations in size, content, and monomer distribution rather than a single polymer with a well-defined structure and a natural origin is another significant barrier. Some of the claimed biological qualities are distinct, and these characteristics have a fundamental effect on the polymer's technological and biological performance. The poor solubility of the polymer can be improved by chitosan chemistry, and in this assessment, we discuss the changes made to make chitosan more soluble and its possible uses. We concentrate on a few of the primary biological characteristics of chitosan and how they relate to the physicochemical characteristics of the polymer. The use of chitosan in the environmentally friendly manufacture of metallic nanoparticles as well as its usage as a booster for biocatalysts are two further applications of polymers that are linked to green processes that we revisit. This study also presents information about utilizing chitosan's technological advantages.

Novel green magnetite-chitosan adsorbent using Ricinus communis plants to adsorption of lead (II) from wastewater solution: anodic linear sweep voltammetry, isotherms, and kinetics study

This study centered on removing toxic Pb (II) ions from wastewater using Fe3O4 with natural biopolymer chitosan and green plant extracts from Ricinus communis (Castor plant) to synthesize a novel magnetic chitosan nano-composites (GCS-Fe3O4) adsorbent. The nano-material was synthesized using the co-precipitation method and characterized using FTIR, XRD, FESEM, TEM, SEM, AFM, TGA-DTA, DLS, UV-Vis, and VSM. The green-synthesized nanocomposites (GCS-Fe3O4) have been used to remove Pb (II) from a wastewater solution. A study was conducted on the experimental parameters, such as the pH range, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and temperature effects, the highest capacity of adsorption Pb (II) ions observed at a pH 6.8, a temperature of 30℃, a contact time of 60 min., with an adsorbent dose of 0.30 g/L. The maximum removal of Pb (II) ions was 99.2%, obtained at a concentration of 0.30 g/L. The Freundlich isotherm stipulated the most precise simulation of the adsorption equilibrium. The maximum adsorption capacity was determined to be 48.64 mg/g at 30℃ using the Freundlich isotherm. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model most accurately represented the adsorption kinetics of Pb (II). In contrast, thermodynamic data shows an endothermic adsorption process with temperature, the adsorption efficiency also increases to 5.35, 7.17, and 8.90 kJ/mol respectively. The Pb (II) ions were determined by 797 VA anodic linear sweep voltammetry Computrace (Metrohm). Hence, the synthesized green magnetite chitosan composite (GCS-Fe3O4) is suitable for removing Pb (II) ions from wastewater solutions.

Esculin-loaded nanoparticles ameliorate adjuvant-induced polyarthritis via subduing inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in Wistar rats

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder affecting multiple joints and requires lifelong treatment. Present study was designed to formulate Esculin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (ENPs) and evaluation of its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic action. The acute toxicity study of ENPs was also performed. ENPs were synthesized using the ion gelation method and their characterization was done. The formulated ENPs had a particle size of 205.1 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.574, zeta potential of 3.6 ± 0.1 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 68%, SEM analysis showed round spherical and irregularity from the outer surface, XRD revealed amorphous nature. Drug release from the carrier by erosion method. For anti-arthritic potential, 0.1 ml Complete Freund's Adjuvant was injected in the left hind paw of all Wistar rats except normal rats on day 1 and treatment with ENPS at 5, 10, 20, ESC and methotrexate (standard drug) was started at 8th day orally and continued for 21 days. Treatment with methotrexate, ESC, and ENPs revealed a significant reduction of paw edema and pain, restoration of body and immune organ weight, Treatment with ENPs 20 mg/kg remarkably (p < 0.0001) restored serotonin and noradrenaline level, oxidation status, hematological and biochemical parameters with significant down-regulation (p < 0.0001) of IL-6, COX-2, TNF-alpha, NF-κβ whereas, up-regulation of IL-4 and IL-10 in comparison to disease control group as obvious from histological examination of sciatic nerve, liver, and ankle joint. The LD50 of ENPs was more than 2000 mg/kg in the acute toxicity study. The ENPs exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities especially ENPs at 20 mg/kg.

The nephroprotective effect of Quercetin in Cyclophosphamide-induced renal toxicity might be associated with MAPK/ERK and NF-κB signal modulation activity

The present study aimed to examine the protective effect of quercetin (QUE) on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced nephrotoxicity. For that purpose, 24 mice were divided into four groups (Control, QUE, CTX, and CTX + QUE). The CTX and CTX + QUE groups received 200 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide on the 1st and 7th days. The QUE and CTX + QUE groups were treated with 50 mg/kg of quercetin daily for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed, and kidney samples were analyzed. The results indicated that CTX leads to severe morphological degenerations and disruption in renal function. Serum BUN, Creatinine, Uric acid, tissue Bax, Caspase 3, TNF-α and IL-1β expression levels were upregulated in the CTX group compared to Control and QUE groups (p < 0.05). Although MAPK/ERK phosphorylation level is not affected in CTX group, there was a significant increase in CTX + QUE group (p < 0.05), but the NF-κB was significantly suppressed in this group (p < 0.01). The RT-qPCR results showed that the cyt-c and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio mRNA expression folds were upregulated in the CTX group (p < 0.01), which was downregulated in the CTX + QUE group. However, there was a significant difference in the CTX + QUE group compared to the Control and QUE groups (p < 0.01). The findings showed that administering quercetin along with cyclophosphamide alleviated renal injury by regulating apoptotic and inflammatory expression. Moreover, the administration of quercetin and cyclophosphamide could synergistically improve renal function test results, and activate cellular responses, which upmodulate MAPK/ERK phosphorylation and suppression of NF-κB.

Recent advances on chitosan/hyaluronic acid-based stimuli-responsive hydrogels and composites for cancer treatment: A comprehensive review

Cancer, as leading cause of death, has a high rate of mortality worldwide. Although there is a wide variety of conventional approaches for the treatment of cancer (such as surgery and chemotherapy), they have considerable drawbacks in terms of practicality, treatment efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, there is a fundamental requirement for the development of safe and efficient treatment modalities based on breakthrough technologies to suppress cancer. Chitosan (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) polysaccharides, as FDA-approved biomaterials for some biomedical applications, are potential biopolymers for the efficient treatment of cancer. CS and HA have high biocompatibility, bioavailability, biodegradability, and immunomodulatory function which guarantee their safety and non-toxicity. CS-/HA-based hydrogels (HGs)/composites stand out for their potential anticancer function, versatile preparation and modification, ease of administration, controlled/sustained drug release, and active and passive drug internalization into target cells which is crucial for efficient treatment of cancer compared with conventional treatment approaches. These HGs/composites can respond to external (magnetic, ultrasound, light, and thermal) and internal (pH, enzyme, redox, and ROS) stimuli as well which further paves the way to their manipulation, targeted drug delivery, practicality, and efficient treatment. The above-mentioned properties of CS-/HA-based HGs/composites are unique and practical in cancer treatment which can ignore the deficiencies of conventional approaches. The present manuscript comprehensively highlights the advances in the practical application of stimuli-responsive HGs/composites based on CS/HA polysaccharides.

The Chemical Modification to Improve Solubility of Chitosan and Its Derivatives Application, Preparation Method, Toxicity as a Nanoparticles

Chitosan is a functional polymer in the pharmaceutical field, including for nanoparticle drug delivery systems. Chitosan-based nanoparticles are a promising carrier for a wide range of therapeutic agents and can be administered in various routes. Solubility is the main problem for its production and utilization in large-scale industries. Chitosan modifications have been employed to enhance its solubility, including chemical modification. Many reviews have reported the chemical modification but have not focused on the specific characteristics obtained. This review focused on the modification to improve chitosan solubility. Additionally, this review also focused on the application of chitosan derivatives in nanoparticle drug delivery systems since very few similar reviews have been reported. The specific method for chitosan derivative-based nanoparticles was also reported and the latest report of chitosan, chitosan derivative, and chitosan toxicity were also described.

Biopolymer-Based Nanosystems: Potential Novel Carriers for Kidney Drug Delivery

Kidney disease has become a serious public health problem throughout the world, and its treatment and management constitute a huge global economic burden. Currently, the main clinical treatments are not sufficient to cure kidney diseases. During its development, nanotechnology has shown unprecedented potential for application to kidney diseases. However, nanotechnology has disadvantages such as high cost and poor bioavailability. In contrast, biopolymers are not only widely available but also highly bioavailable. Therefore, biopolymer-based nanosystems offer new promising solutions for the treatment of kidney diseases. This paper reviews the biopolymer-based nanosystems that have been used for renal diseases and describes strategies for the specific, targeted delivery of drugs to the kidney as well as the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles that affect the targeting success.

Naturally and chemically acetylated polysaccharides: Structural characteristics, synthesis, activities, and applications in the delivery system: A review

Acetylated polysaccharides refer to polysaccharides containing acetyl groups on sugar units. In the past, the acetylation modification of wall polysaccharides has been a hot research topic for scientists. However, in recent years, many studies have reported that acetylation-modified plant, animal, and microbial polysaccharide show great potential in delivery systems. From the latest perspective, this review systematically presents the different sources of naturally acetylated polysaccharides, the regularity of their modification, the chemical preparation of acetylation modifications, the biological activities and functions of acetylated polysaccharides, and the application in the delivery system. In nature, acetylated polysaccharides are extensively distributed in plants, microorganism, and animals. The level of acetylation modification, the distribution of chains, and the locations of acetylation modification sites differ between species. An increasing number of acetylated polysaccharides were prepared in the aqueous medium, which is safe, environment friendly, and low-cost. In addition to being necessary for plant growth and development, acetylated polysaccharides have immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. The above-mentioned multiple sources, multifunctional and multi-active acetylated polysaccharides, make them an increasingly important part of delivery systems. We conclude by discussing the future directions for research and development and the potential uses for acetylated polysaccharides.