Entrapment of Digoxin-KLH Conjugate in Alginate/Chitosan Nanoparticles: A New Antigen Delivery System For Production of Anti-digoxin Antibodies.

Background: Nanoparticles have received more and more attention in the vaccine and drug delivery systems field due to their specific properties. In particular, alginate and chitosan have been known as the most promising nano-carries. Digoxin-specific antibodies effectively manage acute and chronic digitalis poisoning using sheep antiserum.

Objective: The present study aimed to develop alginate/chitosan nanoparticles as a carrier of Digoxin-KLH to promote the immune response by improving the hyper-immunization of animals.

Method: The nanoparticles were produced by the ionic gelation method in mild conditions and the aqueous environment, which leads to the production of particles with favorable size, shape, high entrapment efficiency, and controlled release characteristics.

Result: The synthesized nanoparticles of 52 nm in diameter, 0.19 in PDI, and -33mv in zeta potential were considerably unparalleled and characterized by SEM, FTIR, and DSC. Nanoparticles resembled a spherical shell, smooth morphology, and homogeneous structure shown by SEM images. FTIR and DSC analyses confirmed conformational changes. Entrapment efficiency and loading capacity were 96% and 50%, respectively, via direct and indirect methods. The invitro conjugate release profile, release kinetics, and mechanism of conjugate release from the nanoparticles were studied under simulated physiological conditions for various incubation periods. An initial burst effect revealed the release profile, followed by a continuous and controlled release phase. The compound release mechanism from the polymer was due to Fickian diffusion.

Conclusion: Our results indicated the prepared nanoparticles could be appropriate for the convenient delivery of the desired conjugate.