Chitosan nanoparticles as a delivery platform for neurotoxin II from Androctonus australis hector scorpion venom: Assessment of toxicity and immunogenicity
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Abstract
In recent years, biodegradable polymers based nanoparticles received high interest
for the development of vaccine delivery vehicles. In this study, chitosan nanoparticles
encapsulating Aah II toxin (AahII-CNPs) isolated from Androctonus australis hector
venom, were investigated as vaccine delivery system. Particles obtained by ionotropic
gelation were characterized for their size, surface charge, morphology and toxin release
profile from Aah II-CNPs. Toxin-nanoparticles interactions were assessed by Fourier
Transform Infrared Spectrometry and X-Ray Diffraction. An immunization protocol was
designed in mice to investigate anti-toxin immunity and the protective status induced
by different Aah II immune formulations. Unloaded chitosan nanoparticles presenting
a spherical shape and smooth surface, were characterized by a size of 185 nm, a dispersion
index (PDI) of 0.257 and a zeta potential of +34.6 mV. Aah II toxin was successfully
entrapped into chitosan nanoparticles as revealed by FTIR and XRD data. Entrapment
efficiency (EE) and Loading capacity (LC) were respectively of 96.66 and 33.5%. Aah
II-CNPs had a diameter of 208 nm, a PDI of 0.23 and a zeta potential of +30 mV. Encapsulation
of Aah II reduced its toxicity and protected mice until 10 LD50. Mice were immunized
via a dual prime-boost scheme. Nanoentrapped Aah II immunogen elicited systemic innate
and humoral immune responses as well as local spleen parenchyma hyperplasic alterations.
Aah II-CNPs immunized mice withstood high lethal doses of native Aah II, one-month
post-boost inoculation. This study provided encouraging and promising results for
the development of preventive therapies against scorpion envenoming mainly for the
populations at-risk.