Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
600920 Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 2012 7 Pages PDF
Abstract

Chitosan nanoparticles have been extensively studied for drug and gene delivery. In this paper, monodisperse, low molecular weight (LMW) chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by a novel method based on ionic gelation using sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) as cross-linking agent. The objective of this study was to solve the problem of preparation of chitosan/TPP nanoparticles with high degree of monodispersity and stability, and investigate the effect of various parameters on the formation of LMW chitosan/TPP nanoparticles. It was found that the particle size distribution of the nanoparticles could be significantly narrowed by a combination of decreasing the concentration of acetic acid and reducing the ambient temperature during cross-linking process. The optimized nanoparticles exhibited a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 138 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.026 and a zeta potential of +35 mV, the nanoparticles had good storage stability at room temperature up to at least 20 days.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Monodisperse, low molecular weight chitosan nanoparticles were prepared. ► Various parameters affect the formation of nanoparticles were studied. ► Decreasing acetic acid concentration increases the monodispersity. ► Decreasing ambient temperature during reaction increases the monodispersity.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Chemical Engineering Colloid and Surface Chemistry
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