Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) have been extensively applied in medical and pharmaceutical fields as promising drug delivery\nsystems. Despite that, the safety of CSNPs remains inadequate and needs further investigation, particularly on hematopoietic\nstem cells (HSCs). CSNPs were prepared by ionic gelation method and later were characterized for their physical characteristics\n(particle size and zeta potential). Cytotoxicity of CSNPs was assessed by MTT assay. Particle size was highly influenced by chitosan\nconcentration and molecular weight (medium and highmolecular weight(MMWand HMW)).Higher chitosan concentration and\nmolecular weight produced larger nanoparticles. Zeta potential of CSNPs was not significantly affected by chitosan concentrations\nand molecular weights used in the present study. MMW had a better stability than HMW CSNPs as their particle size and zeta\npotential were not significantly altered after autoclaving. Cytotoxicity of CSNPs was influenced by zeta potential and particle size.\nOn the other hand, chitosan concentration and molecular weight indirectly influenced cytotoxicity by affecting particle size and\nzeta potential of CSNPs. In conclusion, cytotoxicity of CSNPs was mainly attributed to their physical characteristics and this opens\na strategy to ensure the safety of CSNPs applications in stem cell technology.
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