Anticoagulant chitosan nanoparticles：synthesis, characterization and biological safety

Wang Zi-jing; Liu Chao-yang; Qian Zhi-yong; Gao De-wei; Guo Xi-min

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2015.47.020

Abstract：BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that chitosan and other natural polysaccharides have heparin-like anticoagulant function after sulfonated modification. Sulfonated chitosan has good anticoagulant property because the sulfonate group formed by sulfonated chitosan is similar with the active group of heparin. OBJECTIVE: To prepare the anticoagulant chitosan nanoparticles and to detect its morphology, physical and chemical properties and biological security. METHODS: Chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized by emulsion-chemical cross link. Sulfonated chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized by sulfonation reaction. Its morphology was described by transmission electron microscope. The peak-value change of its specific groups was observed by infrared spectroscopy. (1) Coagulation experiment: Heparin, chitosan nanoparticles and 10, 30 and 50 mg of sulfonated chitosan nanoparticles were added into the blood of Spraque-Dawley rats. The coagulation indicators were detected. (2) Hemolysis experiment: deionized water, physiological saline and 10, 30, 50 g/L sulfonated chitosan nanoparticles extracts were added into 2% red blood cel suspension of rabbits. The hemolysis rate was detected. (3) Cytotoxicity experiments: DMEM medium containing fetal bovine serum and 10, 30, 50 g/L sulfonated chitosan nanoparticle extracts were used to culture human umbilical vein endothelial cels. Cel relative growth rate and toxicity grading were detected after 72 hours. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Scanning electron microscopy showed that sulfonated chitosan nanoparticles had good morphology, with a diameter of 50 nm. Infrared spectroscopy showed that the sulfonated replacement occurred.In vitro coagulation experiments showed that sulfonated chitosan nanoparticles had significant anticoagulant effects in a dose-dependent manner. Sulfonated chitosan nanoparticles meet the national safety standard for hemolysis rate of less than 5%, non-induced hemolysis property. Cytotoxicity assays showed that sulfonated chitosan nanoparticles extracts had no significant cytotoxicity, and its biological safety was in line with the national standards.