Characterizing and controlling the loading of Vipera albicornuta venom in chitosan nanoparticles as an adjuvant and vaccine delivery system

The aim of this study was designing and preparing the chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) loading with snake (Vipera albicornuta) venom as well as evaluating the influence of different factors on the encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) of venom. The morphologies and characteristics of CS-NPs were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), respectively. CS-NPs were fabricated based on the ionic gelation method of Tripolyphosphate (TPP) and Chitosan (CS). The results showed smooth surface, spherical shape by SEM. The particle size of loaded nanoparticle was 187 nm and zeta potential was found to be 46.7 mV. Optimum concentration obtained 400 µg/ml for loading of venom, which leads to LC 86% and EE 94%. The structure study of particles demonstrated bond between venom and CS. Based on the results of the study, It can be concluded that the vipera albicornuta venom loaded CS-NPs may be used as a new antigen delivery system.