Chitosan nanocapsule-mounted cellulose nanofibrils as nanoships for smart drug delivery systems and treatment of avian trichomoniasis

Abstract Trichomonas gallinae parasites cause avian trichomoniasis in bird species. Due to veterinary and economic importance, they have to be treated by metronidazole to reduce huge revenue losses to agrarian economy. Unfortunately, there is a need to focus on the alternative approaches with the emergence of drug resistance against metronidazole. In this research, a biocompatible nanocomposite including chitosan nanocapsules and cellulose nanofibrils was utilized to evaluate their anti-trichomonal activity. Chitosan nanocapsules were prepared by coating chitosan polymer on Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles as template and then, removing them. After that, these nanocapsules were mounted by tannic acid onto the cellulose nanofibrils as nanoships to convey them to targets. The most efficient chitosan nanocapsules had 241.5 nm in diameter and the thickness of their skins was around 80.61 nm. The final nanoships were a pH-responsive nanomaterial which their drug content and entrapment efficiency were 24.4% and 64.56%, respectively. Their anti-protozoa efficacy showed excellent results. When T. gallinae were treated with chitosan nanocapsule-mounted cellulose nanofibrils (2 mg/mL for 60 min or 1 mg/mL for 120 min or 0.5 mg/mL for 180 min), complete inhibition was monitored. FE-SEM images revealed pronounced collapsing and disruption of bacterial cells.