Synthesis and characterization of non-toxic and thermo-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-grafted cashew gum nanoparticles as a potential epirubicin delivery matrix. (10th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abreu, Clara M.W.S.; Paula, Haroldo C.B.; Seabra, Vitor; Feitosa, Judith P.A.; Sarmento, Bruno; de Paula, Regina C.M.
• Is Part Of: Carbohydrate polymers. Volume 154(2016)
• Page Start: 77
• Page End: 85
• Publication Date: 2016-12-10
• Subjects: N-isopropylacrylamide -- Nanoparticles -- Thermo-sensitive -- Cytotoxicity -- Epirubicin; Polysaccharides -- Periodicals; Polysaccharides -- Periodicals; Polysaccharides -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 547.78
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.08.031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-8617

Abstract

Highlights: Cashew gum grafted N -isopropylacrylamide was successfully synthesized. The graft copolymer demonstrated thermal responsiveness. The nanoparticles showed no cytotoxic activity against the Caco-2 and HT29-MTX. Copolymer shows good epirubicin association efficiency. Abstract: Cashew gum (CG) was grafted with N -isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) by radical polymerization to originate a stimuli-sensitive copolymer for drug delivery purposes. NMR and IR spectroscopy confirmed the insertion of NIPA onto the cashew gum chains. The graft copolymer (CG:NIPA) demonstrated thermal responsiveness. The critical aggregation concentration of the copolymers at 25 °C was higher than at 50 °C. At temperatures lower than the LCST, the nanoparticle size ranged from 12 to 21 nm, depending on the CG:NIPA ratio, but above the LCST the particles aggregated, increasing the particle size. Regarding the potential for future oral application, the nanoparticles showed no cytotoxic activity against the Caco-2 and HT29-MTX intestine cell lines. Epirubicin was encapsulated into nanoparticles of CG-NIPA (1:1), resulting in a 64% association efficiency and 22% loading capacity. Thus, the CG:NIPA graft copolymer demonstrates good potential for used in controlled drug delivery systems.