Novel nanoparticles composed of chitosan and β-cyclodextrin derivatives as potential insoluble drug carrier

This research was aim to develop novel cyclodextrin/chitosan (CD/CS) nanocarriers for insoluble drug delivery through the mild ionic gelation method previously developed by our lab. A series of different β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) derivatives were incorporated into CS nanoparticles including hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), sulphobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SB-β-CD), and 2,6-di-O-methy-β-cyclodextrin (DM-β-CD). Various process parameters for nanoparticle preparation and their effects on physicochemical properties of CD/CS nanoparticles were investigated, such as the type of CD derivatives, CD and CS concentrations, the mass ratio of CS to TPP (CS/TPP), and pH values. In the optimal condition, CD/CS nanoparticles were obtained in the size range of 215–276 nm and with the zeta potential from 30.22 mV to 35.79 mV. Moreover, the stability study showed that the incorporation of CD rendered the CD/CS nanocarriers more stable than CS nanoparticles in PBS buffer at pH 6.8. For their easy preparation and adjustable parameters in nanoparticle formation as well as the diversified hydrophobic core of CD derivatives, the novel CD/CS nanoparticles developed herein might represent an interesting and versatile drug delivery platform for a variety of poorly water-soluble drugs with different physicochemical properties.

Cyclodextrin/chitosan (CD/CS) nanocarriers were successfully prepared with controlled size, spherical morphology and exhibited good stability. This carrier would have a potential application in controlled release of insoluble drugs.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide