Development of 4-sulfated N -acetyl galactosamine anchored chitosan nanoparticles: A dual strategy for effective management of Leishmaniasis

•4-sulfated N-acetyl galactosamine grafted chitosan nanoparticles loaded with amphotericin B that can target professional macrophages by dual strategy has been developed and characterized for efficient chemotherapy in leishmaniasis.•Two folds enhancement in uptake of 4-sulfated N-acetyl galactosamine grafted chitosan nanoparticles in J774A.1 was observed in comparison to non modified chitosan nanoparticles.•Significant inhibition of amastigote multiplication within macrophages was observed by 4-sulfated N-acetyl galactosamine modified nanoparticles.•Two fold higher anti-leishmanial activity of modified particles was observed when compared to plain AmB.