Synthesis and Functionalization of β-Glucan Particles for the Effective Delivery of Doxorubicin Molecules

Abstract

β-Glucan, a polysaccharide biopolymer, is one of the constituents of cell walls of microorganisms, basidiomycetes, and plants. It has pathogen-associated molecular patterns, recognizing specific immune cell receptors and can induce innate immunity and control acquired immunity. β-Glucan has properties of biocompatibility, biodegradability, high stability, and low toxicity; therefore, it can be used as a drug-delivery system and therapeutic target. Taking into account the advantages of β-glucan, we designed porous, hollow β-glucan microparticles (YGlu) with doxorubicin (DOX), an anticancer drug. We confirmed the successful loading of the drugs in YGlu by chitosan and alginate electrostatic attraction (Mat) through scanning electron microscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. We also examined the cytotoxicity and efficiency of YGlu/Mat/DOX in MDA-MB-231 cells, HUVEC cells, and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In addition, we investigated the effects of YGlu on the secretion of cytokines in PBMCs. These results suggest that the YGlu/Mat/DOX may be utilized as a promising platform for drug delivery.