Chitosan derivatives for inactivation of endotoxins and surface protection of nanoparticles
The present disclosure provides a polymer comprising a derivative of chitosan, wherein the derivative is zwitterionic, as well as methods of using the polymer. In addition, the present disclosure provides a nanoparticle structure comprising a derivative of chitosan and a dendrimer, as well as methods of utilizing the nanoparticle structure.
1. A nanoparticle comprising a non-covalent, electrostatic complex between a poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (PAMAM dendrimer) and a zwitterionic chitosan derivative having an anhydride to amine (An/Am) ratio of 0.3 to 0.7, wherein (1) the zwitterionic chitosan derivative was synthesized by partial amidation of a chitosan with succinic anhydride and (2) the size of the nanoparticle is between 250 nm and about 500 nm.
2. The nanoparticle of claim 1 , wherein the zwitterionic chitosan derivative has an isoelectric point of about 5 to about 7.
3. The nanoparticle of claim 1 , wherein the zwitterionic chitosan derivative has an An/Am ratio of about 0.3.
4. The nanoparticle of claim 1 , wherein the zwitterionic chitosan derivative has an An/Am ratio of about 0.7.
5. The nanoparticle of claim 1 , wherein the PAMAM dendrimer is a generation 5 (G5) dendrimer.