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

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.