Preparation of Chitosan Nanoparticles as a Capable Carrier for Antigen Delivery and Antibody Production.

Background: Chitosan (CS) nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention as a non-viral and cationic carrier for delivery of therapeutic proteins and antigens and offer non-invasive routes of administration such as oral, nasal and ocular routes, and also show adjuvant characteristics for vaccines. Objectives: Preparation and formulation of CS nanoparticles as a capable carrier with immunoadjuvant properties to enhance the bioavailability of antigen and produce antibody with high affinity. Materials and Methods: CS nanoparticles were produced by ionic gelation process of sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) with CS. Particle size and morphology of nanoparticles were determined using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and also direct observation under light microscope. The influence of the initial BSA concentration and CS concentration on loading efficiency and release behavior was evaluated. The ε-toxin (derived from Clostridium perfringens type D) was loaded on CS nanoparticles and the complex was injected hypodermically into the rabbits for once. The anti ε-toxin antibody level in blood serum was evaluated using Dot Blot and ELISA methods. Results: The CS nanoparticles in different groups have a particle diameter (Z-average) in approximate ranges of 200-400, 300-600, 450-800 nm and a positive Zeta potential (32.4 - 48.6 mv). Optimum loading efficiency was achieved for CS at a concentration of 0.5 mg.mL-1 and TPP of 1.0 mg.mL-1. The results showed that the toxin-CS complex produces antitoxin at levels more than twice as high the control. Conclusion: The CS nanoparticles can be used as a good biodegradable carrier for protein and antigen delivery.

Application of response surface methodology (RSM) for optimizing coagulation process of paper recycling wastewater using Ocimum basilicum.

The wastewater produced in a pulp and paper industry is one of the most polluted industrial wastewaters, and therefore its treatment requires complex processes. One of the simple and feasible processes in pulp and paper wastewater treatment is coagulation and flocculation. Overusing a chemical coagulant can produce a large volume of sludge and increase costs and health concerns. Therefore, the use of natural and plant-based coagulants has been recently attracted the attention of researchers. One of the advantages of using Ocimum basilicum as a coagulant is a reduction in the amount of chemical coagulant required. In this study, the effect of basil mucilage has been investigated as a plant-based coagulant together with alum for treatment of paper recycling wastewater. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the process of chemical coagulation based on a central composite rotatable design (CCRD). Quadratic models for colour reduction and TSS removal with coefficients of determination of R2 > 96 were obtained using the analysis of variance. Under optimal conditions, removal efficiencies of colour and total suspended solids (TSS) were 85% and 82%, respectively.