Encapsulation of testosterone by chitosan nanoparticles

- Testosterone loading by chitosan nanoparticles is investigated here.
- Major conjugation of testosterone by chitosan was observed.
- As chitosan size increased more stable steroid conjugates were formed.
- The loading efficacy was increased as chitosan size increased.
- Major chitosan morphological changes occurred by testosterone encapsulation.

The loading of testosterone by chitosan nanoparticles was investigated, using multiple spectroscopic methods, thermodynamic analysis, TEM images and modeling. Thermodynamic parameters showed testosterone-chitosan bindings occur mainly via H-bonding and van der Waals contacts. As polymer size increased more stable steroid-chitosan conjugates formed and hydrophobic contact was also observed. The loading efficacy of testosterone-nanocarrier was 40-55% and increased as chitosan size increased. Testosterone encapsulation markedly alters chitosan morphology. Chitosan nanoparticles are capable of transporting testosterone in vitro.

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