Diffusion and Kinetics. Modeling in Biopharmaceutics, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2016. pp. 15-36. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-27598-7_2]

An in vitro assessment of novel chitosan/bimetallic PtAu nanocomposites as delivery vehicles for doxorubicin

AIM

To synthesize and functionalize platinum (core)-gold (shell) bimetallic nanoparticles (PtAuBNps) with chitosan and doxorubicin to display favorable pharmacokinetics, biodegradability, biological activity and safety in vitro.

MATERIALS & METHODS

PtAuBNps and their drug nanocomposites were morphologically and physico-chemically characterized. Binding studies determined the efficiency and stability of the platform. In vitro release kinetics were evaluated under simulated environments, cytotoxicity profiles through MTT and Sulforodhamine B assays and apoptosis induction using the dual EtBr/AO staining.

RESULTS & DISCUSSION

The results obtained indicate that functionalized PtAuBNps displayed favorable physio-chemical attributes, high binding capabilities, pH-triggered drug release through zero-order release kinetics, cell-specific cytotoxicity and good colloidal stability.

CONCLUSION

The positive attributes of this novel delivery system bodes well for future in vivo studies.