Enhanced cellular uptake and anti-proliferating effect of chitosan hydrochlorides modified genistein loaded NLC on human lens epithelial cells.

This study was attempted to increase the cellular uptake of developed genistein loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) into human lens epithelial (HLE) cells by chitosan hydrochlorides coatings when applied in post lens capsule (PCO) treatment, and to provide further understanding of the uptake and anti-proliferation mechanisms inside. NLCs were produced using melt-emulsification method and were subsequently coated with chitosan hydrochlorides by adsorption. The uptake of various particle sizes were evaluated and visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), showing a size-dependent manner. The uptake of NLC was proved to be endocytosed in an energy dependent and clathrin-mediated endocytosis to HLE cells by the decrease in uptake at lower temperature, when pre-saturated by blank NLC and in the presence of NaN3 and sucrose. CH coating improved the uptake percentage of NLC irrespective of the particle size, without influencing the uptake mechanism. Cell apoptosis was tested using PI and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, followed by flow cytometer analysis. Higher anti-proliferation effect was observed for CH-NLC in inhibiting the growth of HLE cells by causing more apoptosis. Results above indicate that GEN-NLC surface modified by chitosan hydrochlorides could enhance the trans-cellular performance and anti-proliferating effect as PCO therapy.