# 5-Fluorouracil Encapsulated Chitosan Nanoparticles for pH-Stimulated Drug Delivery: Evaluation of Controlled Release Kinetics

Authors: R. Seda Tığlı Aydın; Mehlika Pulat
Journal: Journal of Nanomaterials
 (2012)

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## Abstract

Nanoparticles consisting of human therapeutic drugs are suggested as a promising strategy for targeted and localized drug delivery to tumor cells. In this study, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles were prepared in order to investigate potentials of localized drug delivery for tumor environment due to pH sensitivity of chitosan nanoparticles. Optimization of chitosan and 5-FU encapsulated nanoparticles production revealed148.8±1.1 nm and 243.1±17.9 nm particle size diameters with narrow size distributions, which are confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The challenge was to investigate drug delivery of 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles due to varied pH changes. To achieve this objective, pH sensitivity of prepared chitosan nanoparticle was evaluated and results showed a significant swelling response for pH 5 with particle diameter of ~450 nm. In vitro release studies indicated a controlled and sustained release of 5-FU from chitosan nanoparticles with the release amounts of 29.1–60.8% due to varied pH environments after 408 h of the incubation period. pH sensitivity is confirmed by mathematical modeling of release kinetics since chitosan nanoparticles showed stimuli-induced release. Results suggested that 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles can be launched as pH-responsive smart drug delivery agents for possible applications of cancer treatments.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

The potential use of nanoparticles as drug carriers has been represented over the last few years as an important challenge, since nanoparticles have been designed to improve the pharmacological and therapeutic effects in terms of reducing their toxic side effects [1, 2]. Nanoparticles as drug carriers not only allow the continuous and controlled release of therapeutic drugs to maintain drug levels within a desired level but also include localizing and specifically targeting the drugs to their intended tissues and cells, thereby decreasing drug doses and improving patient compliance [3].Recently, chitosan has attracted a great attention in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields because of its advantageous biological properties, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, and nontoxicity [4, 5]. Chitosan is a cationic polysaccharide which is obtained by partial deacetylation of chitin. In contrast to other polymers, chitosan is a hydrophilic polymer with positive charge, which reveals a special characteristic to chitosan from the technological point of view [6]. The process for production of chitosan nanoparticles depends on the approach on ionic gelation, where nanoparticles are formed by means of electrostatic inter actions between the positively charged chitosan chains and polyanions employed as cross-linkers like tripolyphosphate (TPP). Tripolyphosphate (TPP) has been popular because it is nontoxic, has the ability to gel quickly, and interacts electrostatically with cationic chitosan. Recently, there has been a substantial interest on chitosan nanoparticles since production process is simple and mild. Chitosan nanoparticles, which are launched as promising carriers for controlled-release drug delivery, are exploited extensively in the pharmaceutical industry [7–10].Stimuli response is an important property that affects the ability of systems to deliver drugs effectively. Drug release could be triggered by physical or chemical stimuli, such as pH, ionic strength, temperature, and magnetic and biological molecules. Thus, stimuli-responsive nanoparticles might be a promise carrier system since the particles can selectively respond to environmental change in vitro or in vivo [11]. Chitosan exhibits a pH-sensitive behavior due to the large quantities of amino groups on its chains [12]. Due to pH sensitivity, chitosan nanoparticles, introduced as chitosan nanogels, can undergo volume phase transitions from swollen to collapsed states or vise versa. This feature is extremely important from the applicability point of view, since the delivery and release capacity of the particles significantly changes from a swollen to a collapsed state, which renders chitosan nanoparticles promising carriers for the delivery of macromolecules [13].5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) has been used for the treatment of solid tumors, which employed most extensively in clinical chemotherapy for the treatment of carcinomas of the colon or rectum and also precancerous dermatoses. However, like other drugs used for chemotherapy, it affects the growth of normal body cells and often causes side effects such as hair loss, fatigue, birth defects, mouth sores and ulcers, liver disease, and a temporary drop in bone marrow function [14, 15]. Thus, it has been suggested that chitosan nanoparticles might prevent the side effects induced by 5-FU [8]. Yang and colleagues investigated 5-FU-loaded chitosan nanoparticles whether they could be used as effective drug delivery systems and suggested that chitosan-drug conjugates are expected to overcome the problematic side effects, which were induced by 5-FU, of low-molecular-weight prodrugs [8]. However, pH sensitivity of chitosan nanoparticles with regard to 5-FU release behavior and further mathematical modeling on release kinetics remains unproven although it is well known that a certain kind of abnormal tissues has only slightly more acidic environment than normal tissue [16].In tumor tissues, a pH value of 6 is easily accomplished because of the lactic acid produced as a byproduct of anaerobic glucose metabolism. Even lower pH values of 3.0–5.5 are feasible in acidic intracellular organelles, such as endosomes and lysosomes, within cancer cells [17]. In the present study, we prepared TPP-crosslinked 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles and demonstrated optimum conditions of production for tumor-localized drug delivery applications. pH sensitivies of chitosan nanoparticles were investigated, and the release of 5-FU from chitosan nanoparticles were evaluated by further mathematical models whether they could be used as drug delivery agents for cancer treatments.


## 2. Materials and Methods

Chitosan, derived from crab shell, in the form of flakes was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (Medium Molecular Weight, Catalogue no. 448877). The degree of deacetylation and molecular weight for the medium-molecular-weight chitosan (MWM chitosan) is 75–85% and 190–310 kDa based on viscosity, respectively. Sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) (purity: 85%), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (purity: 99%), and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) tablets (pH 7.4), were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Chemical Co. Ltd. All other reagents were in analytical grade.


### 2.1. Preparation of Chitosan Nanoparticles

Chitosan nanoparticles were produced based on ionic gelation of TPP with chitosan after chitosan purification as described elsewhere [10]. Chitosan was dissolved in 1% (v/v) acetic acid solution to make up chitosan concentrations at 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 2.50, and 5.00 (mg/mL). Tween 80 (Sigma, Germany) (0.5% (v/v)), as a resuspending agent, was added to chitosan solutions in order to prevent particle aggregation, and then chitosan solutions were raised to pH 4.6–4.8 with 1 N NaOH. TPP was dissolved in distilled water to maintain TPP solutions of 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 2.50, and 5.00 (mg/mL). All solutions were filtered through 0.22 micron filter (Millipore). Prepared chitosan solutions were flushed mixed with TPP solutions with a volumetric ratio of 2.5 : 1 (v/v) (chitosan : TPP) under magnetic stirring at room temperature. The formation of chitosan-TPP nanoparticles started spontaneously via the TPP-initiated ionic gelation mechanism. Nanoparticles were purified by centrifugation at 12000 g for 30 min. Supernatants were discarded and resuspended in water, and the chitosan nanoparticles were then freeze-dried before further use or analysis.


### 2.2. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) Analysis

Particle size distribution of chitosan nanoparticles was analyzed through DLS with Zetasizer Nano S (Malvern, UK). The analysis was performed in triplicate at a temperature of 25°C.


### 2.3. Evaluation of Optimum Criteria for Chitosan Nanoparticle Preparation

In order to evaluate effective factors during chitosan nanoparticle production, nanoparticles with the smallest and the highest particle sizes, determined from DLS analysis, were chosen as two models for further optimization studies. At first, chosen chitosan nanoparticles were reproduced by changing chitosan : TPP ratios as 1 : 1, 1.5 : 1, 2 : 1, 2.5 : 1, 3 : 1, and 3.5 : 1 (v/v). Then, the effect of Tween 80 was investigated by changing the amounts as 0.0%, 0.5%, and 1.0%. Finally, all chitosan nanoparticles were investigated in terms of particle size, and optimum conditions were evaluated by selection of optimum criteria for chitosan nanoparticle production.


### 2.4. Investigation of pH Sensitivity of Chitosan Nanoparticles

Chitosan nanoparticles were soaked in phosphate buffer solutions (PBSs) at room temperature with different pH values of 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.4 in order to investigate pH responsive behavior of nanoparticles. pH of prepared PBS solutions was arranged by adding HCl (37%) and NaOH (50 (w/v)%) solutions. Chitosan nanoparticles were incubated for 1 and 3 h ensuring for swelling equilibrium. Data of particle size distribution obtained in different pH solution after 1 and 3 h incubation period was measured by Zetasizer Nano S  (Malvern, UK).


### 2.5. Preparation of 5-FU Encapsulated Chitosan Nanoparticles

Chitosan was dissolved in 1% (v/v) acetic acid solution to maintain chitosan concentration at 0.75 (mg/mL). Prepared chitosan solutions were mixed with 5-FU solutions (5-FU dissolved in water), and 0.5, 1.0, and 5 mg/mL 5-FU containing chitosan solutions were maintained. Tween 80 (Sigma, Germany) (0.5% (v/v)) was added to chitosan solutions, and pH was arranged as 4.6–4.8. Prepared 5-FU-containing chitosan solutions were flushed mixed with 0.5 mg/mL TPP solutions with a ratio of volume ratio of (2 : 1) (v/v) (chitosan : TPP). The nanoparticle suspension was gently stirred for 20 min at room temperature to allow excess 5-FU adsorption on the nanoparticles to reach isothermal equilibrium. 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles were centrifuged at 12000 g for 30 min, resuspended in water and freeze-dried used for further analyses. Prepared 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles were analyzed by Zetasizer Nano S (Malvern,UK) in order to determine mean average particle size distributions.


### 2.6. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

The morphological characteristics of both chitosan and 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) (FEI, Nova 600 Nano SEM). One drop of dilute chitosan nanoparticles’ solution was dropped on a carbon film and let air-dried before viewing.


### 2.7. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectra  Studies

FTIR spectra of chitosan and 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles were recorded on KBr pellets with a FT-IR spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS10, USA)


### 2.8. Evaluation of 5-FU Encapsulation

Encapsulation efficiencies of prepared chitosan nanoparticles were determined by indirect method. Briefly, nanoparticles were centrifuged at 12,000 g at 30 min, and then supernatants of 5-FU solutions were measured by UV-spectrophotometer (Hitachi 150-20, Japan) at 266 nm. Calculations were performed by using the calibration curve, and encapsulation efficiencies were calculated as follows:(1)5-FUencapsulationefficiency(%)=total 5-FU-free5-FUtotal5-FU×100.


### 2.9. 5-FU Release Studies

5-FU release studies from chitosan nanoparticles were performed in prepared PBS solutions with various pH values (3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.4). Chitosan nanoparticles, prepared with known initial 5-FU concentrations (0.5 mg/mL 5-FU), were suspended in 1 mL buffered solutions and then transferred into tubular cellulose membranes (Sigma, Germany). Chitosan nanoparticles in cellulose membranes were then incubated in 10 mL different pH-buffered reservoirs at 37°C with 35 rpm agitation. The amount of 5-FU released was determined from the nanoparticles at selected time intervals through spectrophotometric investigation with measurement at 266 nm.


### 2.10. Mathematical Modeling and Release Kinetics

In order to investigate the mechanism of 5-FU release from chitosan nanoparticles, in vitro release data were analyzed using various kinetic models. The zero-order kinetic model (2) describes the release from the system where the release rate is independent of its concentration of the dissolved substance [18]:(2)Qt=Q0+K0t,
where Q0 = initial amount of drug, Qt = cumulative amount of drug release at time “t”,K0 = zero-order release constant.The first-order release (3) defines where the release rate is concentration dependent [19]:(3)log⁡Qt=log⁡Q0+K1t,
where K1 is the first-order release constant.Higuchi described the release of drugs from insoluble matrix as a square root of time-dependent process based on the Fickian diffusion [20]:(4)Qt=Q0+KHt1/2,
where KH is the Higuchi constant.The Hixson-Crowell cube root law (5) defines the release from systems by dissolution where there is a change in surface area and diameter of particles [21]:(5)Qt3-Q03=KHCt,
where KHC is the Hixson-Crowell constant.Korsmeyer et al. derived a simple relationship, the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, which described drug release from a polymeric system [22]:(6)Qt=KKPtn,
where KKP is the Korsmeyer-Peppas constant and n is the release exponent describing the drug release mechanism.The Kopcha model (7) describes how to quantify the contribution of diffusion and polymer relaxation [23]:(7)Qt=At1/2+Bt,
where A and B are the Kopcha constants.Modeling was performed using the parameters that provide the closest fit between experimental observations and the nonlinear function. The model that best fits the release data was selected based on the correlation coefficient(R2) in models described above. The model, which gives highest R2 value, is considered as the best fit of release data.


## 2.1. Preparation of Chitosan Nanoparticles

Chitosan nanoparticles were produced based on ionic gelation of TPP with chitosan after chitosan purification as described elsewhere [10]. Chitosan was dissolved in 1% (v/v) acetic acid solution to make up chitosan concentrations at 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 2.50, and 5.00 (mg/mL). Tween 80 (Sigma, Germany) (0.5% (v/v)), as a resuspending agent, was added to chitosan solutions in order to prevent particle aggregation, and then chitosan solutions were raised to pH 4.6–4.8 with 1 N NaOH. TPP was dissolved in distilled water to maintain TPP solutions of 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 2.50, and 5.00 (mg/mL). All solutions were filtered through 0.22 micron filter (Millipore). Prepared chitosan solutions were flushed mixed with TPP solutions with a volumetric ratio of 2.5 : 1 (v/v) (chitosan : TPP) under magnetic stirring at room temperature. The formation of chitosan-TPP nanoparticles started spontaneously via the TPP-initiated ionic gelation mechanism. Nanoparticles were purified by centrifugation at 12000 g for 30 min. Supernatants were discarded and resuspended in water, and the chitosan nanoparticles were then freeze-dried before further use or analysis.


## 2.2. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) Analysis

Particle size distribution of chitosan nanoparticles was analyzed through DLS with Zetasizer Nano S (Malvern, UK). The analysis was performed in triplicate at a temperature of 25°C.


## 2.3. Evaluation of Optimum Criteria for Chitosan Nanoparticle Preparation

In order to evaluate effective factors during chitosan nanoparticle production, nanoparticles with the smallest and the highest particle sizes, determined from DLS analysis, were chosen as two models for further optimization studies. At first, chosen chitosan nanoparticles were reproduced by changing chitosan : TPP ratios as 1 : 1, 1.5 : 1, 2 : 1, 2.5 : 1, 3 : 1, and 3.5 : 1 (v/v). Then, the effect of Tween 80 was investigated by changing the amounts as 0.0%, 0.5%, and 1.0%. Finally, all chitosan nanoparticles were investigated in terms of particle size, and optimum conditions were evaluated by selection of optimum criteria for chitosan nanoparticle production.


## 2.4. Investigation of pH Sensitivity of Chitosan Nanoparticles

Chitosan nanoparticles were soaked in phosphate buffer solutions (PBSs) at room temperature with different pH values of 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.4 in order to investigate pH responsive behavior of nanoparticles. pH of prepared PBS solutions was arranged by adding HCl (37%) and NaOH (50 (w/v)%) solutions. Chitosan nanoparticles were incubated for 1 and 3 h ensuring for swelling equilibrium. Data of particle size distribution obtained in different pH solution after 1 and 3 h incubation period was measured by Zetasizer Nano S  (Malvern, UK).


## 2.5. Preparation of 5-FU Encapsulated Chitosan Nanoparticles

Chitosan was dissolved in 1% (v/v) acetic acid solution to maintain chitosan concentration at 0.75 (mg/mL). Prepared chitosan solutions were mixed with 5-FU solutions (5-FU dissolved in water), and 0.5, 1.0, and 5 mg/mL 5-FU containing chitosan solutions were maintained. Tween 80 (Sigma, Germany) (0.5% (v/v)) was added to chitosan solutions, and pH was arranged as 4.6–4.8. Prepared 5-FU-containing chitosan solutions were flushed mixed with 0.5 mg/mL TPP solutions with a ratio of volume ratio of (2 : 1) (v/v) (chitosan : TPP). The nanoparticle suspension was gently stirred for 20 min at room temperature to allow excess 5-FU adsorption on the nanoparticles to reach isothermal equilibrium. 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles were centrifuged at 12000 g for 30 min, resuspended in water and freeze-dried used for further analyses. Prepared 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles were analyzed by Zetasizer Nano S (Malvern,UK) in order to determine mean average particle size distributions.


## 2.6. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

The morphological characteristics of both chitosan and 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) (FEI, Nova 600 Nano SEM). One drop of dilute chitosan nanoparticles’ solution was dropped on a carbon film and let air-dried before viewing.


## 2.7. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectra  Studies

FTIR spectra of chitosan and 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles were recorded on KBr pellets with a FT-IR spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS10, USA)


## 2.8. Evaluation of 5-FU Encapsulation

Encapsulation efficiencies of prepared chitosan nanoparticles were determined by indirect method. Briefly, nanoparticles were centrifuged at 12,000 g at 30 min, and then supernatants of 5-FU solutions were measured by UV-spectrophotometer (Hitachi 150-20, Japan) at 266 nm. Calculations were performed by using the calibration curve, and encapsulation efficiencies were calculated as follows:(1)5-FUencapsulationefficiency(%)=total 5-FU-free5-FUtotal5-FU×100.


## 2.9. 5-FU Release Studies

5-FU release studies from chitosan nanoparticles were performed in prepared PBS solutions with various pH values (3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.4). Chitosan nanoparticles, prepared with known initial 5-FU concentrations (0.5 mg/mL 5-FU), were suspended in 1 mL buffered solutions and then transferred into tubular cellulose membranes (Sigma, Germany). Chitosan nanoparticles in cellulose membranes were then incubated in 10 mL different pH-buffered reservoirs at 37°C with 35 rpm agitation. The amount of 5-FU released was determined from the nanoparticles at selected time intervals through spectrophotometric investigation with measurement at 266 nm.


## 2.10. Mathematical Modeling and Release Kinetics

In order to investigate the mechanism of 5-FU release from chitosan nanoparticles, in vitro release data were analyzed using various kinetic models. The zero-order kinetic model (2) describes the release from the system where the release rate is independent of its concentration of the dissolved substance [18]:(2)Qt=Q0+K0t,
where Q0 = initial amount of drug, Qt = cumulative amount of drug release at time “t”,K0 = zero-order release constant.The first-order release (3) defines where the release rate is concentration dependent [19]:(3)log⁡Qt=log⁡Q0+K1t,
where K1 is the first-order release constant.Higuchi described the release of drugs from insoluble matrix as a square root of time-dependent process based on the Fickian diffusion [20]:(4)Qt=Q0+KHt1/2,
where KH is the Higuchi constant.The Hixson-Crowell cube root law (5) defines the release from systems by dissolution where there is a change in surface area and diameter of particles [21]:(5)Qt3-Q03=KHCt,
where KHC is the Hixson-Crowell constant.Korsmeyer et al. derived a simple relationship, the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, which described drug release from a polymeric system [22]:(6)Qt=KKPtn,
where KKP is the Korsmeyer-Peppas constant and n is the release exponent describing the drug release mechanism.The Kopcha model (7) describes how to quantify the contribution of diffusion and polymer relaxation [23]:(7)Qt=At1/2+Bt,
where A and B are the Kopcha constants.Modeling was performed using the parameters that provide the closest fit between experimental observations and the nonlinear function. The model that best fits the release data was selected based on the correlation coefficient(R2) in models described above. The model, which gives highest R2 value, is considered as the best fit of release data.


## 3. Results and Discussion

In the present study, we focused on chitosan nanogels, nanoparticles which have smart features for drug delivery concerning cancer treatments. Description of such kind of system should have some important properties: (i) obtained spontaneously under exceptionally mild conditions without involving high temperatures and organic solvents, (ii) has a valuable drug loading capacity and provides a continuous and sustainable release of the encapsulated drug for several days, and (iii) has a pH-sensitive behavior. The properties basically concern optimizing general conditions of chitosan nanoparticle production and the feasibility of drug entrapment and release with regard to cancer treatment applications. In terms of appropriate localized drug delivery by means of tumor treatment, chitosan and 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles were produced, due to the certain properties mentioned above.


### 3.1. Chitosan Nanoparticle Production Conditions

Chitosan’s ability of quick gelling on contact with polyanions relies on the formation of inter- and intramolecular crosslinkages mediated by polyanions [24]. The preparation of chitosan nanoparticles is based on an ionic gelation interaction between positively charged chitosan and negatively charged tripolyphosphate (TPP) at room temperature immediately [25, 26]. TPP is a multivalent anion that possesses negative charges; chitosan in acidic solution has amino groups that can undergo protonation. During the preparation process, TPP electrostatically attracted to the NH3+ groups in chitosan to produce ionically crosslinked chitosan nanoparticles [8, 27]. Size and size distribution of the chitosan nanoparticles depend largely on concentration of chitosan and TPP solutions. For the success of chitosan with nanosized scale, the concentration of chitosan and TPP should be controlled at a suitable range [28].The mean size and size distribution of each batch of chitosan nanoparticle suspension were analyzed using the Zetasizer analysis. Table1 represents effects of chitosan and TPP concentrations on particle size and ability to produce nanoparticle by visual observations. Previously it had been shown that the appearance of the solution changed when a certain amount of TPP ions was added to the chitosan solution, from a clear to opalescent solution that indicated a change of the physical states of the chitosan to form nanoparticles, then microparticles, and eventually aggregates [29]. In this study, samples were visually analyzed and identified as clear solution, opalescent suspension, and aggregates (Table 1). As seen from Table 1, chitosan concentration was highly effective in nanoparticle production, and minimum criteria for nanoparticle formation should be lower than 2.5 mg/mL chitosan concentration for selected TPP concentrations. However, below 2.5 mg/mL chitosan concentration, when the TPP concentration exceeds chitosan concentration, the chitosan aggregation was formed, which might be due to the fact that more chitosan chains were crosslinked in the presence of a high concentration of TPP. In the range of minimum criteria for nanoparticle formation (chitosan concentration <2.5 mg/mL and chitosan concentration should not exceed TPP concentration), at fixed chitosan concentration, mean diameter of nanoparticles increases with the elevation of TPP concentration. Results showed that minimum and maximum mean size diameters of prepared chitosan nanoparticles were 152.6±3.3 nm and 393.1±1.8 nm, respectively. The size distribution profiles represent minimum and maximum average size diameters with narrow size distributions (polydispersity index <1).Table 1
Average particle size of chitosan nanoparticles prepared at different concentrations.1
Chitosan (mg/mL)TPP (mg/mL)Average particle size (nm)Visual identificationPolydispersity index (PDI)0.500.50190.8±20.5Opalescent solution0.0940.500.75>1000Aggregates*0.501.0>1000Aggregates*0.501.25>1000Aggregates*0.750.50152.6±3.3Opalescent solution0.2320.750.75228.2±2.9Opalescent solution0.0800.751.0>1000Aggregates*0.751.25>1000Aggregates*1.00.50181.7±2.1Opalescent solution0.3471.00.75195.4±3.5Opalescent solution0.3331.01.0251.9±3.5Opalescent solution0.2591.01.25>1000Aggregates*1.250.50195.2±3.1Opalescent solution0.3881.250.75244.5±8.9Opalescent solution0.3771.251.0286.5±3.8Opalescent solution0.0561.251.25393.1±1.8Opalescent solution0.4431.252.5>1000Opalescent solution*1.255.0>1000Opalescent solution*2.501.25924.9±40.1Aggregates0.4232.502.50>1000Aggregates*2.505.0>1000Aggregates*5.01.25>1000Aggregates*5.02.50>1000Aggregates*5.05.0>1000Aggregates*1Chitosan : TPP (2.5 : 1) (v/v) Tween 80; 0.5% (v/v); measurements are performed three times.*PDI > 1.00.Previously it has been shown that chitosan-to-TPP weight ratio prominently increases nanoparticle size [24]. Table 2 presents effects of chitosan to TPP volume ratios on selected chitosan nanoparticles (minimum and maximum mean size diameter) from Table 1. Results showed that the increment of chitosan-to-TPP volume ratio effectively increase particle size diameter. Moreover, while minimum chitosan : TPP ratio is 2.5 : 1 for the selected maximum-sized nanoparticle (1.25 mg/mL : 1.25 mg/mL), the minimum chitosan : TPP ratio is determined as 2 : 1 for the selected minimum-sized nanoparticle (0.75 mg/mL : 0.5 mg/mL). Above these values, nanoparticle formation could not be achieved, and chitosan nanoparticle is produced with a minimum mean size diameter of 148.8±1.1 nm.Table 2
Average particle size of chitosan nanoparticles prepared at different chitosan/TPP ratios.1
Chitosan : TPP ratio (v/v)1.25 mg/mL chitosan : 1.25 mg/mL TPP0.75 mg/mL chitosan : 0.5 mg/mL TPP1 : 1>1000*>1000*2 : 1>1000*148.8±1.1 (PDI: 0.066)2.5 : 1393.1±1.8 (PDI: 0.443)152.6±3.3 (PDI: 0.232)3 : 1421.9±27.6 (PDI: 0.377)162.3±7.8 (PDI: 0.367)3.5 : 1510.0±42.9 (PDI: 0.379)178.1±2.9 (PDI: 0.295)1Tween 80 0.5% (v/v); measurements are performed three times.*PDI > 1.00.Another parameter, which should be considered for successful chitosan nanoparticle formation, is the optimization of Tween 80 agent during nanoparticle formation. Table3 presents effects of Tween 80 amount on chitosan nanoparticle formation. Results showed that Tween 80, suspending agent, must be employed on nanoparticle production process. During chitosan nanoparticle formation, using Tween 80 agent is critical, since chitosan nanoparticle formation in the tested region area could not be achieved without this agent. However, as seen from Table 3, elevated amount of Tween 80 increased particle size. The size distribution profiles of chitosan nanoparticles (0.75 mg/mL : 0.5 mg/mL) showed highly uniform 148.8±1.1 nm (PDI = 0.066) and 177.0±3.2 nm (PDI = 0.090) particle size diameters for 0.5% and 1.0% Tween 80, respectively. Results concluded that 0.75 mg/mL chitosan and 0.5 mg/mL TPP solutions with 2 : 1 (chitosan : TPP) volume ratio in the presence of 0.5% Tween 80 could succeed in the formation of minimum particle size diameter (148.8±1.1 nm) of chitosan nanoparticles. However, it had been shown that parameters like molecular weight and deacetylation degree of chitosan dominantly affect chitosan nanoparticle size [24, 28, 30].Table 3
Average particle size of chitosan nanoparticles prepared at different amounts of Tween 80.1
Tween 80 (%)1.25 mg/mL chitosan : 1.25 mg/mL TPP (2.5 : 1)  (v/v)0.75 mg/mL chitosan : 0.5 mg/mL TPP (2 : 1)  (v/v)0>1000*>1000*0.5393.1±1.8 (PDI: 0.443)148.8±1.1 (PDI: 0.066)1.0432.8±10.0 (PDI: 0.436)177.0±3.2 (PDI: 0.090)1Measurements are performed three times.*PDI > 1.00It is well known that particle size plays an important role on mucosal and epithelial tissue uptake of nanoparticles and on the alternation of pharmacokinetics by affecting the tissue distribution and clearance [4]. With regard to all these data, minimum mean diameter size chitosan nanoparticles (148.8±1.1 nm) were selected for further studies investigated in this paper.


### 3.2. pH Sensitivity of Chitosan Nanoparticles

As the chitosan network contains pH-ionizable groups, a pH variation will modify the network electrical state and thus the swelling behavior. In order to evaluate pH dependency of chitosan nanoparticles (0.75 mg/mL chitosan, 0.5 mg/mL TPP, chitosan : TPP (2 : 1)), particles were soaked in phosphate buffers with various pH values (pH: 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.4) and mean size diameters of the particles were measured. Figure1 presents average size diameters of chitosan nanoparticles via different pH values of phosphate buffer solutions after 1 and 3 h incubation period. As seen from Figure 1, particle size sharply increased when pH moved up from 3 to 5. On the other hand, a considerable decrease of particle size was determined when pH exceeded 5 and shifted to 7.4 (Figure 1). This pH-responsive behavior could be ascribed to the protonation of the primary amino group on the chitosan chain, resulting in the increase of electric density and repulsion force between crosslinked chitosan chains. Besides, Figure 1 demonstrates that there is no statistically significant difference on chitosan nanoparticle size between 1 and 3 h incubation period, indicating that chitosan nanoparticles reached equilibrium swelling in less than 1 h (equilibrium swelling time: 50 min). Results concluded that particle size is very sensitive to the changing pH values of the residing aqueous environment, indicating that the surface density of protonised amino groups and the degree of protonisation are reversibly responsive to changing solution pH values. In this study, swelling and shrinking mechanism with regard to swinging pH values has been investigated in terms of smart responsive nanoparticle systems for localized drug delivery. Chitosan nanoparticles were demonstrated as pH sensitive with a reversible process of swelling and shrinking of particles, ranging from ~450 nm to ~150 nm of particle size diameter. In tumor cells, low pH values (around 6) are accomplished due to the anaerobic glucose metabolism. Moreover, pH values of 3.0–5.5 are feasible in acidic intracellular organelles, such as endosomes and lysosomes, within cancer cells [17]. Thus, prepared chitosan nanoparticles would be expected to have an effective drug release in the tumor environment since the drug release rate can be suddenly accelerated with lower pH (around 5) after endocytosis into cancer cells.Figure 1
Average mean diameters of chitosan nanoparticles incubated in different pH values of phosphate buffer solutions after 1 and 3 h incubation period.


### 3.3. 5-FU Encapsulated Chitosan Nanoparticles

5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by ionic crosslinking method between TPP and chitosan solutions having 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 mg/mL 5-FU concentrations. In Table4, average particle size diameters of 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles are presented. As seen from Table 4, nanoparticle size dramatically decreased with the increase of 5-FU concentration in chitosan solutions, which may be due to the simultaneous electrostatic interaction attractions between TPP and 5-FU with chitosan. 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles formed instantaneously when polyanionic TPP is added to readily mixed chitosan–5-FU solutions. The formation of nanoparticles depends dramatically on the concentration of free amino groups, which strengthens the electrostatic interactions between the nanoparticles and the drug, helping to reduce the particle sizes [8]. It is well known that 5-FU is negatively charged; since the pKa of the 5-FU is 8.0 and the pH of 5-FU solution is 8.4, 70% of 5-FU is ionized and negatively charged in the solution [31]. Thus, an electrostatic attraction might exist between chitosan and the negatively charged drug while ionic gelation was performed between chitosan and TPP [30]. Since 5-FU amount in chitosan solution increases, former chitosan structure may lead to simple nanocomplexes with reduced size particles and less compact and uniform structure (Table 4). The increase of PDI values of nanoparticles with the increase of 5-FU amount incorporated in chitosan solutions is clear in Table 4. Moreover, as a visual observation, only 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles (0.5% 5-FU) formed white opalescent solution which indicates chitosan nanoparticles formed successfully (ionic gelation that occurred) while others were all clear, which may be due to the fact that clear solutions might be in the form of nanocomplex structure other than nanoparticles. Figures 2(a) and 2(b) demonstrate average size diameters of chitosan and 0.5% 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles with narrow size distributions. As seen from Figures 2(c) and 2(d), SEM images, verifiing the nanoscale size and spherical shape of the particles, supported the size measurement by DLS analysis with Zetasizer Nano S  (Malvern, UK).Table 4
Average particle size of 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles.1
Chitosan nanoparticleAverage particle size (nm)Polydispersity index (PDI)Visual identificationEncapsulation efficiency (%)0.5 mg/mL 5-FU243.1±17.90.091Opalescent69.69±0.31.0 mg/mL 5-FU86.9±1.40.262Clear solution31.23±0.95.0 mg/mL 5-FU69.1±1.00.256Clear solution29.98±0.81Chitosan : TPP ratio 2 : 1 (v/v) Tween 80 0.5% (v/v); measurements are performed three times.Particle size distributions of chitosan (a) and 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles (b). SEM images of 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles (c) 25000x (d) 50000x. FTIR spectra of chitosan and 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles (e).
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)5-FU carrying capacity in terms of the encapsulation efficiency is calculated and demonstrated in Table4. The initial 5-FU loading affected the encapsulation efficiency for chitosan nanoparticles, as is evident in Table 4, where the values range from 29.98 to 69.69%. Previously, it was reported that 5-FU encapsulation efficiency of chitosan nanoparticles decreased by elevation of 5-FU amounts during formation of nanoparticles [8]. In this study, results are in good correlation with the reported study.Figure2(e) demonstrates FTIR spectra of chitosan and 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles. For chitosan, the general characteristic absorption bands of the amide I band, N–H bending, and C–N stretching are at (1700–1600) cm−1, (1500–1550) cm−1, and (2800–2900) cm−1, respectively. As seen from Figure 2(e), amide I band and N–H bending highly shifted to 1570 (N–H stretching vibration of NH3+ group) and 1406 cm−1, respectively, which may be due to strong ionic crosslinking of chitosan and TPP. Moreover, peaks at 1364 cm−1 (aromatic ring), 771 cm−1 (vibration of CF=CH group), and 3000–3500 cm−1 (the presence of more F (unbound) groups from the 5-FU) greatly showed successful encapsulation of 5-FU into chitosan nanoparticle.


### 3.4. In Vitro Release of 5-FU from Chitosan Nanoparticles

In order to investigate 5-FU release behavior of chitosan nanoparticles, they were incubated in different release media (phosphate buffer pH: 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.4) and assessed by UV spectrophotometry. Figure3 demonstrates 5-FU release profiles up to 408 h of incubation period. As shown in Figure 3, chitosan nanoparticles showed an initial burst release of 5-FU in a period of 6 h for all incubation media, which was in the range of 12.7–21.2%. This initial rapid release, characterized as “burst effect”, is due to the fact that some amounts of 5-FU were localized on the surface of nanoparticles by adsorption which could be released easily by diffusion. After this initial burst effect, a slower sustained and controlled release occurred throughout the incubation period and the release amount is in the range of 29.1–60.8%. Release profiles supported that 5-FU molecules were encapsulated among the positively charged hydrophilic chains; in the mean time 5-FU absorption onto the external surfaces of the chitosan nanoparticles occurred.Figure 3
In vitro release profiles of 5-FU from chitosan nanoparticles in PBS solution (pH 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.4).In this study, 5-FU was used as a model drug to investigate pH-responsive release behavior of chitosan nanoparticles, since 5-FU drug has been used in cancer therapy. The release kinetics at pH 3 to 7.4 within 408 h clearly indicated that pH strongly influenced 5-FU release from chitosan scaffolds (Figure3). At pH 3 and 7.4, only about 29.1% and 34.1% amounts of 5-FU were released after 408 h, respectively. The results may be due to the fact that the nanoparticles in shrinking state entrapped drug tightly and prevent it from penetrating through the compact structure. On the other hand, a continuous and fast release profile could be found when the sample was incubated in pH 5.0 buffer. As shown in Figure 3, 60.8% of 5-FU released after 408 h, which may be due to the swelling behavior of chitosan nanoparticles with regard to pH sensitivity. Results conclude that 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles are strongly dependent on pH, which may be due to the stability properties of 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles depending on the pH value. Drug release behaviors of 5-FU encapsulated nanoparticles suggested labile behavior of nanoparticles under different pH values. Thus, this pH sensitivity would be useful for drug release for the targeted tumor regions. Chitosan nanoparticles not only prevented releasing most of the drug in normal cell or tissue but also guarantied releasing efficient amount the drug in the targeted area.


### 3.5. Release Kinetics and Mechanisms of Drug Release

Understanding mechanism for release of drugs from nanoparticles has been well described in the literature, suggesting the mechanism to be desorption, diffusion, and matrices degradation. However, recent studies focus on biopolymers responsive to physiological changes such as pH, temperature, and external stimuli that can trigger a control release of the therapeutic agent [32]. In this study, the release kinetics and mechanisms of 5-FU release from chitosan nanoparticles were evaluated by several mathematical models (zero order, first order, Higuchi, Hixson-Crowell, Korsmeyer-Peppas, and Kopcha). Table 5 demonstrates correlation values (R2) and release parameters determined from the results of model fitting of the release profiles. As seen from Table 5, according to correlation values, release data well fitted to the Higuchi model on all pH values evaluated which indicates that 5-FU is released by diffusion. Moreover, the Korsmeyer-Peppas release model (high correlation values) exponent, n, is about 0.3, which confirms that the Fickian diffusion is the controlling factor in drug release. Since the Kopcha model can easily be used to help quantify the contribution of diffusion and polymer relaxation, results shown in Table 2 greatly improve that drug release, occurred mainly as a result of the Fickian diffusion with regarding to the value of A, is far greater than the value of B.Table 5
Mathematical models and parameters based on release data.
Zero-orderFirst-orderHiguchi’sHixson-Crowell’sKorsmeyer-Peppas’sKopcha’spHCorrelation value(R2)Correlation value(R2)Correlation value(R2)Correlation value(R2)Correlation value(R2)nCorrelation value(R2)A/B3.00.770.810.930.800.800.280.8936.874.00.760.820.930.800.800.300.9337.125.00.810.890.960.870.870.340.9743.086.00.760.820.930.800.800.300.9236.937.40.750.790.920.780.780.310.9336.91Beside the mechanism of nanoparticles, the hydrogel-based delivery systems are of two major categories: (i) time-controlled systems and (ii) stimuli-induced release systems [33]. Although the release mechanism is diffusion for all cases, chitosan nanoparticles incubated for different pH values, the Kopcha model gives the clue of pH sensitivity of chitosan nanoparticles due to the wide range of A/B values (36.87–43.08). Further, bad fitting release data of the Hixson-Crowell model suggests that there is no change in surface area as a function of time and also may confirm that the change depends on the stimuli-induced release systems.


## 3.1. Chitosan Nanoparticle Production Conditions

Chitosan’s ability of quick gelling on contact with polyanions relies on the formation of inter- and intramolecular crosslinkages mediated by polyanions [24]. The preparation of chitosan nanoparticles is based on an ionic gelation interaction between positively charged chitosan and negatively charged tripolyphosphate (TPP) at room temperature immediately [25, 26]. TPP is a multivalent anion that possesses negative charges; chitosan in acidic solution has amino groups that can undergo protonation. During the preparation process, TPP electrostatically attracted to the NH3+ groups in chitosan to produce ionically crosslinked chitosan nanoparticles [8, 27]. Size and size distribution of the chitosan nanoparticles depend largely on concentration of chitosan and TPP solutions. For the success of chitosan with nanosized scale, the concentration of chitosan and TPP should be controlled at a suitable range [28].The mean size and size distribution of each batch of chitosan nanoparticle suspension were analyzed using the Zetasizer analysis. Table1 represents effects of chitosan and TPP concentrations on particle size and ability to produce nanoparticle by visual observations. Previously it had been shown that the appearance of the solution changed when a certain amount of TPP ions was added to the chitosan solution, from a clear to opalescent solution that indicated a change of the physical states of the chitosan to form nanoparticles, then microparticles, and eventually aggregates [29]. In this study, samples were visually analyzed and identified as clear solution, opalescent suspension, and aggregates (Table 1). As seen from Table 1, chitosan concentration was highly effective in nanoparticle production, and minimum criteria for nanoparticle formation should be lower than 2.5 mg/mL chitosan concentration for selected TPP concentrations. However, below 2.5 mg/mL chitosan concentration, when the TPP concentration exceeds chitosan concentration, the chitosan aggregation was formed, which might be due to the fact that more chitosan chains were crosslinked in the presence of a high concentration of TPP. In the range of minimum criteria for nanoparticle formation (chitosan concentration <2.5 mg/mL and chitosan concentration should not exceed TPP concentration), at fixed chitosan concentration, mean diameter of nanoparticles increases with the elevation of TPP concentration. Results showed that minimum and maximum mean size diameters of prepared chitosan nanoparticles were 152.6±3.3 nm and 393.1±1.8 nm, respectively. The size distribution profiles represent minimum and maximum average size diameters with narrow size distributions (polydispersity index <1).Table 1
Average particle size of chitosan nanoparticles prepared at different concentrations.1
Chitosan (mg/mL)TPP (mg/mL)Average particle size (nm)Visual identificationPolydispersity index (PDI)0.500.50190.8±20.5Opalescent solution0.0940.500.75>1000Aggregates*0.501.0>1000Aggregates*0.501.25>1000Aggregates*0.750.50152.6±3.3Opalescent solution0.2320.750.75228.2±2.9Opalescent solution0.0800.751.0>1000Aggregates*0.751.25>1000Aggregates*1.00.50181.7±2.1Opalescent solution0.3471.00.75195.4±3.5Opalescent solution0.3331.01.0251.9±3.5Opalescent solution0.2591.01.25>1000Aggregates*1.250.50195.2±3.1Opalescent solution0.3881.250.75244.5±8.9Opalescent solution0.3771.251.0286.5±3.8Opalescent solution0.0561.251.25393.1±1.8Opalescent solution0.4431.252.5>1000Opalescent solution*1.255.0>1000Opalescent solution*2.501.25924.9±40.1Aggregates0.4232.502.50>1000Aggregates*2.505.0>1000Aggregates*5.01.25>1000Aggregates*5.02.50>1000Aggregates*5.05.0>1000Aggregates*1Chitosan : TPP (2.5 : 1) (v/v) Tween 80; 0.5% (v/v); measurements are performed three times.*PDI > 1.00.Previously it has been shown that chitosan-to-TPP weight ratio prominently increases nanoparticle size [24]. Table 2 presents effects of chitosan to TPP volume ratios on selected chitosan nanoparticles (minimum and maximum mean size diameter) from Table 1. Results showed that the increment of chitosan-to-TPP volume ratio effectively increase particle size diameter. Moreover, while minimum chitosan : TPP ratio is 2.5 : 1 for the selected maximum-sized nanoparticle (1.25 mg/mL : 1.25 mg/mL), the minimum chitosan : TPP ratio is determined as 2 : 1 for the selected minimum-sized nanoparticle (0.75 mg/mL : 0.5 mg/mL). Above these values, nanoparticle formation could not be achieved, and chitosan nanoparticle is produced with a minimum mean size diameter of 148.8±1.1 nm.Table 2
Average particle size of chitosan nanoparticles prepared at different chitosan/TPP ratios.1
Chitosan : TPP ratio (v/v)1.25 mg/mL chitosan : 1.25 mg/mL TPP0.75 mg/mL chitosan : 0.5 mg/mL TPP1 : 1>1000*>1000*2 : 1>1000*148.8±1.1 (PDI: 0.066)2.5 : 1393.1±1.8 (PDI: 0.443)152.6±3.3 (PDI: 0.232)3 : 1421.9±27.6 (PDI: 0.377)162.3±7.8 (PDI: 0.367)3.5 : 1510.0±42.9 (PDI: 0.379)178.1±2.9 (PDI: 0.295)1Tween 80 0.5% (v/v); measurements are performed three times.*PDI > 1.00.Another parameter, which should be considered for successful chitosan nanoparticle formation, is the optimization of Tween 80 agent during nanoparticle formation. Table3 presents effects of Tween 80 amount on chitosan nanoparticle formation. Results showed that Tween 80, suspending agent, must be employed on nanoparticle production process. During chitosan nanoparticle formation, using Tween 80 agent is critical, since chitosan nanoparticle formation in the tested region area could not be achieved without this agent. However, as seen from Table 3, elevated amount of Tween 80 increased particle size. The size distribution profiles of chitosan nanoparticles (0.75 mg/mL : 0.5 mg/mL) showed highly uniform 148.8±1.1 nm (PDI = 0.066) and 177.0±3.2 nm (PDI = 0.090) particle size diameters for 0.5% and 1.0% Tween 80, respectively. Results concluded that 0.75 mg/mL chitosan and 0.5 mg/mL TPP solutions with 2 : 1 (chitosan : TPP) volume ratio in the presence of 0.5% Tween 80 could succeed in the formation of minimum particle size diameter (148.8±1.1 nm) of chitosan nanoparticles. However, it had been shown that parameters like molecular weight and deacetylation degree of chitosan dominantly affect chitosan nanoparticle size [24, 28, 30].Table 3
Average particle size of chitosan nanoparticles prepared at different amounts of Tween 80.1
Tween 80 (%)1.25 mg/mL chitosan : 1.25 mg/mL TPP (2.5 : 1)  (v/v)0.75 mg/mL chitosan : 0.5 mg/mL TPP (2 : 1)  (v/v)0>1000*>1000*0.5393.1±1.8 (PDI: 0.443)148.8±1.1 (PDI: 0.066)1.0432.8±10.0 (PDI: 0.436)177.0±3.2 (PDI: 0.090)1Measurements are performed three times.*PDI > 1.00It is well known that particle size plays an important role on mucosal and epithelial tissue uptake of nanoparticles and on the alternation of pharmacokinetics by affecting the tissue distribution and clearance [4]. With regard to all these data, minimum mean diameter size chitosan nanoparticles (148.8±1.1 nm) were selected for further studies investigated in this paper.


## 3.2. pH Sensitivity of Chitosan Nanoparticles

As the chitosan network contains pH-ionizable groups, a pH variation will modify the network electrical state and thus the swelling behavior. In order to evaluate pH dependency of chitosan nanoparticles (0.75 mg/mL chitosan, 0.5 mg/mL TPP, chitosan : TPP (2 : 1)), particles were soaked in phosphate buffers with various pH values (pH: 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.4) and mean size diameters of the particles were measured. Figure1 presents average size diameters of chitosan nanoparticles via different pH values of phosphate buffer solutions after 1 and 3 h incubation period. As seen from Figure 1, particle size sharply increased when pH moved up from 3 to 5. On the other hand, a considerable decrease of particle size was determined when pH exceeded 5 and shifted to 7.4 (Figure 1). This pH-responsive behavior could be ascribed to the protonation of the primary amino group on the chitosan chain, resulting in the increase of electric density and repulsion force between crosslinked chitosan chains. Besides, Figure 1 demonstrates that there is no statistically significant difference on chitosan nanoparticle size between 1 and 3 h incubation period, indicating that chitosan nanoparticles reached equilibrium swelling in less than 1 h (equilibrium swelling time: 50 min). Results concluded that particle size is very sensitive to the changing pH values of the residing aqueous environment, indicating that the surface density of protonised amino groups and the degree of protonisation are reversibly responsive to changing solution pH values. In this study, swelling and shrinking mechanism with regard to swinging pH values has been investigated in terms of smart responsive nanoparticle systems for localized drug delivery. Chitosan nanoparticles were demonstrated as pH sensitive with a reversible process of swelling and shrinking of particles, ranging from ~450 nm to ~150 nm of particle size diameter. In tumor cells, low pH values (around 6) are accomplished due to the anaerobic glucose metabolism. Moreover, pH values of 3.0–5.5 are feasible in acidic intracellular organelles, such as endosomes and lysosomes, within cancer cells [17]. Thus, prepared chitosan nanoparticles would be expected to have an effective drug release in the tumor environment since the drug release rate can be suddenly accelerated with lower pH (around 5) after endocytosis into cancer cells.Figure 1
Average mean diameters of chitosan nanoparticles incubated in different pH values of phosphate buffer solutions after 1 and 3 h incubation period.


## 3.3. 5-FU Encapsulated Chitosan Nanoparticles

5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by ionic crosslinking method between TPP and chitosan solutions having 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 mg/mL 5-FU concentrations. In Table4, average particle size diameters of 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles are presented. As seen from Table 4, nanoparticle size dramatically decreased with the increase of 5-FU concentration in chitosan solutions, which may be due to the simultaneous electrostatic interaction attractions between TPP and 5-FU with chitosan. 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles formed instantaneously when polyanionic TPP is added to readily mixed chitosan–5-FU solutions. The formation of nanoparticles depends dramatically on the concentration of free amino groups, which strengthens the electrostatic interactions between the nanoparticles and the drug, helping to reduce the particle sizes [8]. It is well known that 5-FU is negatively charged; since the pKa of the 5-FU is 8.0 and the pH of 5-FU solution is 8.4, 70% of 5-FU is ionized and negatively charged in the solution [31]. Thus, an electrostatic attraction might exist between chitosan and the negatively charged drug while ionic gelation was performed between chitosan and TPP [30]. Since 5-FU amount in chitosan solution increases, former chitosan structure may lead to simple nanocomplexes with reduced size particles and less compact and uniform structure (Table 4). The increase of PDI values of nanoparticles with the increase of 5-FU amount incorporated in chitosan solutions is clear in Table 4. Moreover, as a visual observation, only 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles (0.5% 5-FU) formed white opalescent solution which indicates chitosan nanoparticles formed successfully (ionic gelation that occurred) while others were all clear, which may be due to the fact that clear solutions might be in the form of nanocomplex structure other than nanoparticles. Figures 2(a) and 2(b) demonstrate average size diameters of chitosan and 0.5% 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles with narrow size distributions. As seen from Figures 2(c) and 2(d), SEM images, verifiing the nanoscale size and spherical shape of the particles, supported the size measurement by DLS analysis with Zetasizer Nano S  (Malvern, UK).Table 4
Average particle size of 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles.1
Chitosan nanoparticleAverage particle size (nm)Polydispersity index (PDI)Visual identificationEncapsulation efficiency (%)0.5 mg/mL 5-FU243.1±17.90.091Opalescent69.69±0.31.0 mg/mL 5-FU86.9±1.40.262Clear solution31.23±0.95.0 mg/mL 5-FU69.1±1.00.256Clear solution29.98±0.81Chitosan : TPP ratio 2 : 1 (v/v) Tween 80 0.5% (v/v); measurements are performed three times.Particle size distributions of chitosan (a) and 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles (b). SEM images of 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles (c) 25000x (d) 50000x. FTIR spectra of chitosan and 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles (e).
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)5-FU carrying capacity in terms of the encapsulation efficiency is calculated and demonstrated in Table4. The initial 5-FU loading affected the encapsulation efficiency for chitosan nanoparticles, as is evident in Table 4, where the values range from 29.98 to 69.69%. Previously, it was reported that 5-FU encapsulation efficiency of chitosan nanoparticles decreased by elevation of 5-FU amounts during formation of nanoparticles [8]. In this study, results are in good correlation with the reported study.Figure2(e) demonstrates FTIR spectra of chitosan and 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles. For chitosan, the general characteristic absorption bands of the amide I band, N–H bending, and C–N stretching are at (1700–1600) cm−1, (1500–1550) cm−1, and (2800–2900) cm−1, respectively. As seen from Figure 2(e), amide I band and N–H bending highly shifted to 1570 (N–H stretching vibration of NH3+ group) and 1406 cm−1, respectively, which may be due to strong ionic crosslinking of chitosan and TPP. Moreover, peaks at 1364 cm−1 (aromatic ring), 771 cm−1 (vibration of CF=CH group), and 3000–3500 cm−1 (the presence of more F (unbound) groups from the 5-FU) greatly showed successful encapsulation of 5-FU into chitosan nanoparticle.


## 3.4. In Vitro Release of 5-FU from Chitosan Nanoparticles

In order to investigate 5-FU release behavior of chitosan nanoparticles, they were incubated in different release media (phosphate buffer pH: 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.4) and assessed by UV spectrophotometry. Figure3 demonstrates 5-FU release profiles up to 408 h of incubation period. As shown in Figure 3, chitosan nanoparticles showed an initial burst release of 5-FU in a period of 6 h for all incubation media, which was in the range of 12.7–21.2%. This initial rapid release, characterized as “burst effect”, is due to the fact that some amounts of 5-FU were localized on the surface of nanoparticles by adsorption which could be released easily by diffusion. After this initial burst effect, a slower sustained and controlled release occurred throughout the incubation period and the release amount is in the range of 29.1–60.8%. Release profiles supported that 5-FU molecules were encapsulated among the positively charged hydrophilic chains; in the mean time 5-FU absorption onto the external surfaces of the chitosan nanoparticles occurred.Figure 3
In vitro release profiles of 5-FU from chitosan nanoparticles in PBS solution (pH 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.4).In this study, 5-FU was used as a model drug to investigate pH-responsive release behavior of chitosan nanoparticles, since 5-FU drug has been used in cancer therapy. The release kinetics at pH 3 to 7.4 within 408 h clearly indicated that pH strongly influenced 5-FU release from chitosan scaffolds (Figure3). At pH 3 and 7.4, only about 29.1% and 34.1% amounts of 5-FU were released after 408 h, respectively. The results may be due to the fact that the nanoparticles in shrinking state entrapped drug tightly and prevent it from penetrating through the compact structure. On the other hand, a continuous and fast release profile could be found when the sample was incubated in pH 5.0 buffer. As shown in Figure 3, 60.8% of 5-FU released after 408 h, which may be due to the swelling behavior of chitosan nanoparticles with regard to pH sensitivity. Results conclude that 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles are strongly dependent on pH, which may be due to the stability properties of 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles depending on the pH value. Drug release behaviors of 5-FU encapsulated nanoparticles suggested labile behavior of nanoparticles under different pH values. Thus, this pH sensitivity would be useful for drug release for the targeted tumor regions. Chitosan nanoparticles not only prevented releasing most of the drug in normal cell or tissue but also guarantied releasing efficient amount the drug in the targeted area.


## 3.5. Release Kinetics and Mechanisms of Drug Release

Understanding mechanism for release of drugs from nanoparticles has been well described in the literature, suggesting the mechanism to be desorption, diffusion, and matrices degradation. However, recent studies focus on biopolymers responsive to physiological changes such as pH, temperature, and external stimuli that can trigger a control release of the therapeutic agent [32]. In this study, the release kinetics and mechanisms of 5-FU release from chitosan nanoparticles were evaluated by several mathematical models (zero order, first order, Higuchi, Hixson-Crowell, Korsmeyer-Peppas, and Kopcha). Table 5 demonstrates correlation values (R2) and release parameters determined from the results of model fitting of the release profiles. As seen from Table 5, according to correlation values, release data well fitted to the Higuchi model on all pH values evaluated which indicates that 5-FU is released by diffusion. Moreover, the Korsmeyer-Peppas release model (high correlation values) exponent, n, is about 0.3, which confirms that the Fickian diffusion is the controlling factor in drug release. Since the Kopcha model can easily be used to help quantify the contribution of diffusion and polymer relaxation, results shown in Table 2 greatly improve that drug release, occurred mainly as a result of the Fickian diffusion with regarding to the value of A, is far greater than the value of B.Table 5
Mathematical models and parameters based on release data.
Zero-orderFirst-orderHiguchi’sHixson-Crowell’sKorsmeyer-Peppas’sKopcha’spHCorrelation value(R2)Correlation value(R2)Correlation value(R2)Correlation value(R2)Correlation value(R2)nCorrelation value(R2)A/B3.00.770.810.930.800.800.280.8936.874.00.760.820.930.800.800.300.9337.125.00.810.890.960.870.870.340.9743.086.00.760.820.930.800.800.300.9236.937.40.750.790.920.780.780.310.9336.91Beside the mechanism of nanoparticles, the hydrogel-based delivery systems are of two major categories: (i) time-controlled systems and (ii) stimuli-induced release systems [33]. Although the release mechanism is diffusion for all cases, chitosan nanoparticles incubated for different pH values, the Kopcha model gives the clue of pH sensitivity of chitosan nanoparticles due to the wide range of A/B values (36.87–43.08). Further, bad fitting release data of the Hixson-Crowell model suggests that there is no change in surface area as a function of time and also may confirm that the change depends on the stimuli-induced release systems.


## 4. Conclusions

In this study, chitosan nanoparticle formation was optimized in terms of localized drug delivery systems for cancer treatment studies. Production of chitosan nanoparticle was explored by varying conditions, and more significantly chitosan nanoparticles with148.8±1.1 nm size were prepared, which revealed critical properties during chitosan nanoparticle formation. Furthermore, chitosan nanoparticles were demonstrated as pH sensitive with respect to instantaneous swelling (pH: 3 to 5) and shrinking (pH: 5 to 7.4) responses. 5-FU encapsulation of chitosan nanoparticles achieved as ~70% with ~250 nm diameter size, indicating potential use for drug delivery applications. In vitro release studies of 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles showed a sustained and controlled release after a minimal burst release of 5-FU. Additionally, release profiles demonstrated significant dependence on pH, leading chitosan nanoparticles as good candidates for use in tumor localized drug delivery. 5-FU encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles not only would offer several advantages over conventional drug therapies but also expected to overcome side effects regarding to dosing and toxicity. However, further optimization studies including stabilization and targeting should be performed both in vitro and in vivo.



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*Source: 313961-2012-05-29.xml*