Coating methotrexate-PLGA nanoparticles with folic acid-chitosan conjugate for cancer targeting

Background: Loading Methotrexate, a chemotherapeutic agent, in a nanocarrier can improve its efficacy and lower its side effects. Both PLGA and chitosan were used to formulate Methotrexate nanoparticles. Folate acts as a targeting ligand for anticancer medications. Therefore, folate, chitosan, and PLGA were used to deliver methotrexate. Methods: Folic acid and Chitosan (FA-CS) were conjugated and used to coat Methotrexate-PLGA nanoparticles. The conjugate and the nanoparticles were characterized using Zetasizer to test particle size, polydispersity and charge, SEM was used to test particles’ morphology. Both %EE and %LC of MTX in the NPs were measured. Finally, MTX release and the system cytotoxicity were tested in vitro. Results: FTIR, NMR, and XRD proved the successful formation of FA-CS, and the formation of the coated nanoparticles. The particles were spherical with a size ~385 nm, a disparity ~0.27, and a charge ~+15 mV. The %EE and the % LC were 79% and 21.2%, respectively. In vitro release studies revealed nearly complete MTX release after 48 h. In vitro cytotoxicity testing demonstrated that the formulation components are safe and that the incorporation of MTX within the nanoparticles enhanced the drug’s cytotoxic effect in comparison to the free drug. Conclusion: loading of MTX in the NPs enhances its chemotherapeutic effect, hence, this system can be used to target carcinogenic cells.