Figure 1.

Diagram of NP preparation and CNTF-NP and OSM-NP formulation. Complexing DS and chitosan (CS) led to the formation of DSCS NP, which contains a charge-neutralized hydrophobic core and a negatively charged outer shell comprising DS. The core of the particle was subsequently crosslinked with succinic acid, resulting in XDSCS NP. Neurotrophic factors, CNTF or OSM, were loaded on the outer shell of XDSCS NP via their heparin-binding domains complexed with DS, giving rise to CNTF- or OSM-NP.