The protective effect of N-acetylcysteine against liposome and chitosan-induced cytotoxicity

Abstract

Aim

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant used to moderate liposome and chitosan-induced cell cytotoxicity at their high concentrations.

Methods

Liposome and chitosan were prepared and characterised. The cytotoxicity effect of liposome with NAC-loaded liposome (liposome-NAC) and chitosan solution with chitosan solution containing NAC (chitosan-NAC) on the A549 cell line was compared.

Results

Particle size, zeta potential, and NAC drug release for liposome were 125.9 ± 8 nm, −34.7 ± 2.1 mV, and 51.1% ± 3%, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) indicated spherical shape of liposome. Encapsulation efficiency of liposome-NAC was 12% ± 0.98%. Particle size and zeta potential for chitosan solution were 361 ± 11.3 nm and 10.8 ± 1.52 mV. Stability storage study indicated good stability of chitosan and liposome. Cell viability of liposome-NAC and chitosan-NAC significantly was higher than liposome and chitosan at all four concentrations.

Conclusions

NAC has a protective effect against liposome and chitosan-induced cell toxicity.

Keywords:

• Liposome
• chitosan
• N-acetylcysteine
• cytotoxicity
• drug delivery

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. Mostafa Mellat, who passed away, for her insight and expertise. We would like to thank the Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, and the Bu Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS), for their financial support and facilities.

Disclosure statement

None.

Additional information

Funding

We would like to thank the Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, and the Bu Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS), for their financial support and facilities.