Size-controlled self-aggregated N-acyl chitosan nanoparticles as a vitamin C carrier

N-acyl chitosans with various acyl chain lengths were synthesized to improve their hydrophobicity and stability in delivery system. N-acyl chitosan nanoparticles were fabricated by self-aggregation method and vitamin C was loaded into the particles. Particle sizes were ranged from 444 nm to 487 nm with various acyl chain lengths reduced to particle size 216–288 nm with vitamin C loading. Vitamin C in the N-acyl chitosan nanoparticles may cross-link and pull the particle wall resulting in reducing the particle size. N-acyl chitosan nanoparticles were characterized using FTIR, zeta potential, size analyzer, scanning electron microscope. The loading efficiency of vitamin C on N-acyl chitosan nanoparticles ranged 55–67% and increased the loading efficiency of vitamin C too, with N-acyl chain length. Vitamin C in N-acyl chitosan nanoparticles showed the controlled release properties at pH 1.3 and pH 7.4. Release rate of vitamin C load is reduced with increasing the length of acyl side chain.

► N-acyl modified chitosan nanoparticles are synthesized and characterized.
► They have the satisfactory vitamin C loading and sustained release behavior.
► N-acyl chitosan nanoparticles also are more stable in acidic environment.
► These nanoparticles showed great potential as a carrier of bioactive compounds.