Heparin-functionalized chitosan-poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles loaded with quinine for selective targeting of infected erythrocytes and enhanced antiplasmodial efficacy
| dc.contributor.author | Amos, Yohana | |
| dc.contributor.author | Ahmed, Rami | |
| dc.contributor.author | Sauli, Elingarami | |
| dc.contributor.author | Rubaka, Clarence | |
| dc.contributor.author | Tambwe, Mgeni | |
| dc.contributor.author | Tumbo, Anneth | |
| dc.contributor.author | Swai, Hulda | |
| dc.contributor.author | Dube, Admire | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-07-27T11:22:01Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026-04-14 | |
| dc.description | SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | |
| dc.description.abstract | Malaria remains a major global health burden, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Although quinine (QN) is an effective antimalarial, its clinical application is limited by dose-dependent toxicity from nonspecific biodistribution. This study developed heparin-functionalized PCL nanoparticles (Hep-QN-PCL) to target Plasmodium falciparum-infected RBCs and enhance QN’s therapeutic efficacy. QN-loaded PCL nanoparticles were formulated using a double emulsion solvent evaporation technique, followed by chitosan-mediated heparin conjugation. They were evaluated for physicochemical properties, in vitro drug release, hemolysis, cytotoxicity, targeting, and antiplasmodial activity against FCR3 Plasmodium falciparum. Optimized Hep-QN-PCL nanoparticles (353.2 ± 16.8 nm, PDI 0.252, zeta +20.8 ± 1.9 mV, encapsulation 77.9%) showed successful Hep conjugation as confirmed through FTIR and thermal analysis, sustained QN release over 96 h via Fickian diffusion, and enhanced release under iRBC-mimicking conditions. They were hemocompatible (<4% hemolysis), less cytotoxic (LD50 >527 µg/mL vs. 195.7 µg/mL for free QN), and demonstrated increased iRBC targeting (partition 8.50 ± 0.30 vs. 4.20 ± 0.12). Hep-QN-PCL achieved ~5.3-fold higher antiplasmodial potency (IC50 = 23.33 ng/mL vs. 122.86 ng/mL) and 14.2-fold greater selectivity index (22.60 vs. 1.59). These findings demonstrate a targeted nanomedicine platform with improved efficacy and safety for malaria therapy, suitable for further preclinical studies. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.32008492.v1 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://dspace.nm-aist.ac.tz/handle/123456789/3901 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Taylor & Fransic Online | |
| dc.subject | Quinine | |
| dc.subject | polymeric nanoparticles | |
| dc.subject | Polycaprolactone | |
| dc.subject | Targeted drug delivery | |
| dc.subject | Malaria | |
| dc.subject | Heparin | |
| dc.title | Heparin-functionalized chitosan-poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles loaded with quinine for selective targeting of infected erythrocytes and enhanced antiplasmodial efficacy | |
| dc.type | Dataset |