Particle Size-Dependent Controlled Release of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Using Chitin Nanofibers: A Promising Anti-Cancer Drug Delivery System

Purpose Chemotherapy is frequently limited by low drug bioavailability and significant side effects, such as nausea. This study aims to develop a nanocarrier-based sustained drug delivery system using chitin nanofibers (NC) to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Methods Chitin nanofibers were synthesized through acid hydrolysis of powdered chitin, varying hydrolysis time to achieve controlled dimensions. The nanofibers’ structural properties, including crystallinity and dimensions, were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. The anticancer drug doxorubicin hydrochloride was embedded within s, and the drug release profiles were characterized. Cellular adhesion and anticancer efficacy were assessed using in vitro assays and real-time imaging techniques. Results Chitin nanofibers exhibited lateral sizes ranging from 350 to 150 nm and widths from 20 to 8 nm, with smaller dimensions achieved through extended hydrolysis time. Structural analysis confirmed that crystallite size increased with reduced fiber dimensions, without altering the crystalline structure. Drug release studies showed that NCs exhibited sustained drug release profiles. Furthermore, the smaller-dimension NCs demonstrated superior cell adhesion and enhanced cell-killing efficiency compared to larger fibers with respect to HeLa cell line. Real-time imaging revealed effective cellular uptake and potential therapeutic impact. Conclusion This study establishes chitin nanofibers as a versatile nanocarrier platform for the sustained delivery of anticancer drugs. Their controlled dimensions, structural integrity, and ability to enhance cellular adhesion and therapeutic efficacy highlight their potential to improve chemotherapy outcomes. Lay Summary Cancer treatment is often challenging due to low drug availability at the tumor site and harsh side effects. This study develops chitin nanofibers, a natural material, to carry and slowly release chemotherapy drugs. By making the fibers smaller, researchers found that they stick to cancer cells better and kill them more effectively. These findings could lead to safer and more effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects.