A stabilized chitosan-based nanoparticle is provided having a chitosan polymer and a hydrophilic dispersing agent. In the stabilized nanoparticle, chains of the chitosan polymer electrostatically interact with chains of the hydrophilic dispersing agent to form an entangled network between the chitosan polymer and the hydrophilic dispersing agent. The stabilized chitosan-based nanoparticle has optimal particle integrity and stability properties under physiological conditions.