Positively-charged electrosprayed nanoparticles based on biodegradable polymers containing amphotericin B for the treatment of leishmaniasis

Abstract

Poly(Ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) electrosprayed nanoparticles (NPs) containing Amphotericin B (AMB) were prepared for the treatment of leishmaniasis. Two variations of PCL nanoparticles with positive surface charges, which can enhance cell uptake and restrict agglomeration, were produced: (1) NPs containing stearylamine and (2) core-shell nanoparticles, with chitosan in the shell and PCL and AMB in the core. The results proved the viability of producing positively charged PCL nanoparticles with AMB, with diameters <350 nm. The encapsulation efficiency of the drug was higher than 75%. The electrosprayed nanoparticles containing AMB were much less cytotoxic to cells than that of pure AMB.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Amphotericin B
• coaxial electrospraying
• core-shell nanoparticles
• leishmaniasis
• nanoparticles
• poly(Ɛ-caprolactone)

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge the financial support from CNPq, FAPEMIG, and the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) (financing modality 001).