Heparin-functionalized chitosan-poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles loaded with quinine for selective targeting of infected erythrocytes and enhanced antiplasmodial efficacy

AIMS: 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. METHODS: drug release, hemolysis, cytotoxicity, targeting, and antiplasmodial activity against FCR3 Plasmodium falciparum. RESULTS: = 23.33 ng/mL vs. 122.86 ng/mL) and 14.2-fold greater selectivity index (22.60 vs. 1.59). CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate a targeted nanomedicine platform with improved efficacy and safety for malaria therapy, suitable for further preclinical studies.