Heparin and Carboxymethylchitosan Metal Nanoparticles: An Evaluation of Their Cytotoxicity. (18th February 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bava, Adriana; Cappellini, Francesca; Pedretti, Elisa; Rossi, Federica; Caruso, Enrico; Vismara, Elena; Chiriva-Internati, Maurizio; Bernardini, Giovanni; Gornati, Rosalba
• Other Names: Huang Xudong Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: BioMed research international. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-02-18
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/314091
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2314-6133

Abstract

Abstract : In the search for noninvasive diagnostic techniques and new therapies, "nanosystems", which are capable of binding and targeting bioactive molecules, are becoming increasingly important. In this context, biocompatible coatings are gaining interest, not only for their biological effects but also because they are considered capable to mask nanoparticle toxicity. In this work, we have compared the toxicity of nanoparticles coated with heparin and carboxymethylchitosan in the SKOV-3 cell line. Our results indicate that heparin and carboxymethylchitosan coatings do not guarantee the decrease of nanoparticle intrinsic toxicity which is often envisaged. Nonetheless, these coatings provide the opportunity for further functionalization with a variety of biomolecules for their use in theranostics.