Formulation and statistical optimization of Salvia hispanica L. Seed Polysaccharide/ chitosan nanoparticles for targeted delivery of quercetin in osteosarcoma
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Achieving controlled drug release within the tumour microenvironment remains a major barrier to effective chemotherapy. The present study demonstrates the development of a low-cost, biodegradable nanocarrier that responds selectively to acidic tumour conditions, providing a safer alternative to current delivery systems. The hybrid nanoparticles were developed by the self-assembly of chitosan and Salvia hispanica L. seed polysaccharide, which combines the biocompatibility of natural polymers with intrinsic pH sensitivity. Quercetin, a flavonoid with anticancer activity, was encapsulated with 78.8% efficiency, yielding nanocarriers of ∼212 nm in diameter, an optimal size for passive tumour accumulation through the enhanced permeation and retention effect. The drug release kinetics demonstrated a marked pH dependent behaviour, with significantly higher release observed at pH 5.5 compared to physiological pH 7.4, aligning with the acidic profile of tumour sites. The kinetic modelling of the release profiles using Korsmeyer-Peppas equation identified anomalous diffusion as the dominant mechanism under acidic conditions (pH 5.5), while fickian diffusion characterized release at physiological pH. The cytocompatibility assessments using U2OS osteosarcoma model confirmed that quercetin loaded nanoparticles retained potent metabolic inhibition, indicative of preserved bioactivity of quercetin post-encapsulation.
Institution: Queensland University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,790
OpenAlex ID: W4416818535