Polysaccharides as Nanomaterials for Therapeutics - Harnessing Biomaterials in Nanomedicine: Preparation, Toxicity, and Applications - page 137

and abnormal bone metabolism in comparison with naked DNA and
chitosan-DNA complexes.
5.4.2 Alginate-BasedNanoparticles
The early preparations of alginate-based nanoparticles were based
on the ability of alginate to form 3D network upon ionic inter- and
intramolecular cross-linking with divalent ions [56]. Ever since,
several preparation mechanisms have been utilized and alginate-
based nanoparticles have been developed for the delivery of proteins,
genes, antitubercular and antifungal drugs [96].
Calcium cross-linked alginate nanoparticles containing econazole
and antitubercular drugs were utilized for the treatment of murine
tuberculosis [54]. The encapsulated drugs were detectable above
minimum inhibitory concentration for 15 days after administration
in lung, liver and spleen of the treated mice in comparison with
12-24 h of the free drugs. In addition, the alginate nanoparticles
managed to reduce bacterial burden in the lung and spleen of mice
infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis by more than 90% at 15
fold lower dosages in comparison with free drugs.
Chitosan alginate nanoparticles were used for the transmucosal
delivery of insulin [97]. The nanoparticles were prepared by
ionic cross-linking of chitosan and TPP, which was followed by
complexation with alginate. Insulin was associated to the CS-TPP-
AL nanoparticles with loading efficiency of 41-52%. The CS-TPP-AL
nanoparticles were administered nasally and exhibited a capacity
to enhance systemic absorption of insulin. The duration of the
hypoglycemic response was dependent on the Mw of alginate.
Recently, surfactant-alginate hybrid nanoparticles have been
employed for dual chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy
on a murine drug-resistant tumor model [98]. The obtained
nanoparticles had an average size of 73 nm measured by dynamic
light scattering (DLS) and contained doxorubicin and methylene
blue with encapsulation efficiencies of 78% and 82%, respectively.
Following administration to Balb/c mice bearing syngeneic JC
tumors (mammary adenocarcinoma), the dual therapy managed to
significantly inhibit tumor growth and improved animal survival.
The treatment resulted in enhanced tumor accumulation of both
doxorubicin and methylene blue, significant inhibition of tumor cell
proliferation, and increased induction of apoptosis.