Self-aggregated nanoparticles of N-dodecyl,N′-glycidyl(chitosan) as pH-responsive drug delivery systems for quercetin

In this study, pH-responsive amphiphilic chitosan (CS) nanoparticles were used to encapsulate quercetin (QCT) for sustained release in cancer therapy. The novel CS derivatives were obtained by synthesis with 2,3-epoxy-1-propanol, also known as glycidol, followed by acylation with dodecyl aldehyde. Characterization was performed by spectroscopic, viscosimetric, and size-determination methods. Critical aggregation concentration, morphology, entrapment efficiency, drug release profile, cytotoxicity, and hemocompatibility studies were also carried out. The average size distribution of the self-assembling nanoparticles measured by dynamic light scattering ranged from 140 to 300 nm. In vitro QCT release and Korsmeyer–Peppas model indicated that pH had a major role in drug release. Cytotoxicity assessments indicated that the nanoparticles were non-cytotoxic. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay further revealed that QCT-loaded nanoparticles could inhibit MCF-7 cell growth. In vitro erythrocyte-induced hemolysis indicated the good hemocompatibility of the nanoparticles. These results suggest that the synthesized copolymers might be potential carriers for hydrophobic drugs in cancer therapy.