Title
Freshwater crayfish chitosan - novel source for nanoparticle development: optimization, chemical modifications, and characterization
Authors
MARIA MEMECICĂ, ANA-MARIA ALBU, NATALIA SIMIONESCU, DAMIEN CHAUDANSON and ALIN IONUȚ ALECU

Received Dedicated to the memory of Acad. Bogdan C. Simionescu (1948 – 2024)
Published Volume 59 Issue 7-8 July-August
Keywords nanoparticles, chitosan, freshwater crayfish, biocompatibility, grafting, acryloyl morfoline, n vinylacetamide, dimensional optimization

Abstract
Advances in nanomedicine have demonstrated the reliability of using polymer-based nanoparticles as a material for effective drug delivery. In the context of sustainable development from renewable resources, the range of raw materials is diversified, focusing on natural resources. Chitosan is a promising resource for the development of nanoparticles with architectural-geometric versatility. Our study aims to demonstrate the viability of a new type of chitosan extracted from freshwater crayfish and its derivatives in obtaining nanoparticles. Polymer nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic scattering light spectroscopy (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electron scanning microscopy (SEM), electron transmission microscopy (TEM), and in terms of zeta potential (ZP). The mean size of nanoparticles was observed in the 59-74 nm homogeneous distribution range. The samples had relatively high positive values of zeta potential. In vitro tests demonstrated the lack of cytotoxicity towards normal fibroblasts; while NAM grafting generated NPs that stimulated cell proliferation by about 21% in 24 hours of incubation.