Chitosan oligosaccharide–arachidic acid-based nanoparticles for anti-cancer drug delivery

Chitosan oligosaccharide-arachidic acid (CSOAA) conjugate was successfully synthesized and used for the development of self-assembled nanoparticles for doxorubicin (DOX) delivery. The molar substitution of AA on CSO and critical micelle concentration (CMC) of CSOAA were measured. Physicochemical properties of DOX-loaded CSOAA-based nanoparticles, such as particle size, zeta potential and morphology, were also characterized. The DOX-loaded CSOAA-based nanoparticles showed spherical shape with a mean diameter of 130 nm and positive charge. According to the result of in vitro release test, DOX-loaded CSOAA-based nanoparticles exhibited sustained and pH-dependent drug release profiles. The CSOAA showed negligible cytotoxicity in FaDu, human head and neck cancer, cells. Cellular uptake of DOX in FaDu cells was higher in the nanoparticle-treated group compared to the free DOX group. The anti-tumor efficacy of DOX-loaded nanoparticles was also verified in FaDu tumor xenografted mouse model. These results suggested that synthesized amphiphilic CSOAA might be used for the preparation of self-assembled nanoparticles for anti-cancer drug delivery.