Hydrolytic treatment of chitin nanofibers to tailor the controlled release of anti-cancer drugs

Chemotherapy is frequently limited by low drug bioavailability and significant side effects. This study aimed to develop a nanocarrier-based sustained drug delivery system using chitin nanofibers (NC) to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Chitin nanofibers were synthesized through acid hydrolysis of powdered chitin, varying the 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 incorporated into nanofibers, and the drug release profiles were characterized. Cellular adhesion and anticancer efficacy were assessed using in vitro assays and real-time imaging techniques. 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, when tested with HeLa cells, the smaller-dimension NCs demonstrated superior cell adhesion and enhanced cell-killing efficiency compared to larger fibers. Real-time imaging revealed effective cellular uptake and potential therapeutic impact. 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.