Conjugation Of EGCG And Chitosan NPs As A Novel Nano-Drug Delivery System

Abdel-Majeed Safer,1 Stefano Leporatti,2 Jacquilion Jose,3 Mahmoud S Soliman4 1Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait; 2CNR Nanotec, Istituto di Nanotecnologia, Lecce 73100, Italy; 3Nanoscopy Science Center, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait; 4Nanotechnology Research Facility, Faculty of Engineering and Petroleum, College of Engineering and Petroleum, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, KuwaitCorrespondence: Abdel-Majeed SaferDepartment of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, KuwaitTel +965 2 498 5909Email saferam52@gmail.com Stefano LeporattiCNR Nanotec, Istituto di Nanotecnologia, Lecce, ItalyTel +39 0832 319 829Email stefano.leporatti@nanotec.cnr.itPurpose: Chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) have been used as a good vehicle for nano-drug delivery due to their good physicochemical properties. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), one of the major active ingredients of green tea, is a natural antioxidant that helps in reducing and preventing cell damage and fighting cancer, plus providing other benefits. The aim of this study is to optimise the preparation parameters in terms of the physical characteristics and stability in CS/EGCG NPs conjugation.Results: The conjugation of CS/EGCGNPs was obtained by means of Poloxamer 188. The average CS/EGCG NPs complex was of size 117.8±38.71nm with a surface charge of +67.8±4.38mV and isoelectric point at pH 7.61.Conclusion: In conclusion, NPs produced were stable at 4°C with nanometric size, good polydispersity, good loading and efficiency, envisaging to be a possible candidate for nano-therapeutic delivery system against hepatic fibrosis.Keywords: chitosan, EGCG, conjugation, nano-drug delivery