Biocompatibility of folate-modified chitosan nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the acute toxicity of carboxymethyl chitosan-2, 2’ ethylenedioxy bis-ethylamine-folate (CMC-EDBE-FA) and as well as possible effect on microbial growth and in vitro cell cyto-toxicity. Methods: CMC-EDBE-FA was prepared on basis of carboxymethyl chitosan tagged with folic acid by covalently linkage through 2, 2’ ethylenedioxy bis-ethylamine. In vivo acute toxicity, in vitro cyto-toxicity and antimicrobial activity of CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticle were determined. Results: Vancomycin exhibited the antibacterial activity against vancomycin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, but CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticle did not give any antibacterial activity as evidenced by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), disc agar diffusion (DAD) and killing kinetic assay. Further, the CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticle showed no signs of in vivo acute toxicity up to a dose level of 1000 mg/kg p.o., and as well as in vitro cyto-toxicity up to 250 μg/mL. Conclusions: These findings suggest that CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticle is expected to be safe for biomedical applications.