Preparation, characterization and in vitro release study of β-cyclodextrin/chitosan nanoparticles loaded Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil

Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil (CEO) is an effective antimicrobial agent. However, its high volatile nature and low stability require an efficient encapsulation system for drug delivery applications. We herein report the synthesis of β-cyclodextrin modified chitosan (β-CD/CS) nanoparticles binary system via ionic gelation method for the controlled release of CEO. The nanoparticles were characterized by optical and structural spectroscopies followed by the in-vitro released study. The results showed that the particles are spherical in shape with positively charged surface and maximum encapsulation efficiency of 58.03%. In vitro release profiles showed an overall CEO release of 71% for the binary system compared to 49% for CEO- loaded chitosan (CS) nanoparticles single system. The release mechanism followed Fickian behaviour while in vitro CEO release analysis showed a sustained and controlled release for over 120 h. The as-synthesized β-cyclodextrin/chitosan nanoparticles offer a promising system for enhancing the therapeutic effect of CEO.