Fabrication of Carboxymethyl Chitosan Nanoparticles to Deliver Paclitaxel for Melanoma Treatment

In the present study, the effectiveness of paclitaxel nanocrystals (PTX NCs) encapsulated in carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) nanoparticles (CMCS-PTX NPs) as an anticancer drug is evaluated. The CMCS nanoparticles are produced via a cross-junction microfluidic device where the PTX/CMCS concentration and flow rates in the device are optimized. The dynamic light scattering data show that the PTX NCs have a median diameter size of 230 +/- 90 nm, while the size of CMCS-PTX NPs is roughly 270 +/- 30 nm. The zeta-potential result indicates less negative surface charge for the CMCS-PTX NPs as compared to the PTX NCs. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy micrographs, differential scanning calorimetry thermograms, and X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that the physicochemical properties of the drug remain unaltered after perfusion through the microfluidic device. Cytotoxicity and cell endocytosis of PTX NCs and CMCS-PTX NPs are evaluated in vitro using G361 melanoma-positive skin cells. The results reveal that the CMCS-PTX NPs increase the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity compared to the PTX NCs alone. In addition, the antitumor effect of CMCS-PTX NPs on B16 melanoma indicates the great potential of CMCS as a promising nano-carrier for PTX NCs drug with potent inhibitory effect on the tumor growth.