Preparation and characterization of nano chitosan for hGM-CSF release

Abstract

hGM-CSF (human granulocytemacrophage colony stimulating factor) is a cytokine secreted by many cell types. Its characters are suitable for vaccine adjuvant such as ability to stimulate survival, differentiation and enhancement the functions of antigen-presenting cells. This cytokine is also a chemoattractant for monocytes and neutrophils to the infected sites, stimulates the expression of several cytokines like IL-1, IL-6, TNF, which are essential for B and T lymphocyte differentiation. However, hGM-CSF has some drawbacks for being an adjuvant candidate due to its easy degradation, toxicity at high concentration and low-dose requirement for therapeutic effect. Drugs delivery system using chitosan can overcome these disadvantages of hGM-CSF. In this present study, chitosan particles were prepared and evaluated the absorption and release of human hGM-CSF. Firstly, the activity of hGM CSF was evaluated by proliferation bioassay using TF-1 cell line. Afterward, chitosan particles were prepared by ionic gelation method and were examined for its toxicity on TF‑1 cell line. After protein absorbance onto chitosan particles, the release capacity and in vitro protection of chitosan for hGM-CSF were assessed. The result showed that hGM-CSF had an ED50 value of 106 pg/mL. The synthesized chitosan particles had an average diameter of 24.5 nm and were nontoxic. Based on the results of SDS-PAGE and Bradford, the adsorption efficiency of hGM‑CSF onto chitosan particles reached 99 % and chitosan has the ability to release hGM-CSF and protects it from hydrolysis of trypsin. In conclusion, the synthesized chitosan beads absorbed and released hGMCSF with its activity remained. This result provides the evidence for further in vivo researches.