Development And Characterization Of Atorvastatin Calcium Loaded chitosan Nanoparticles For Sustain Drug Delivery

Abstract

The aim of this study is to formulate and characterize atorvastatin loaded chitosan loaded nanoparticles prepared by solvent evaporation method for sustained release. Low oral bioavailability of Atorvastatin calcium (14%) due to an extensive high first- pass effect makes it as prime target for oral sustained drug delivery. Weighed amount of drug and polymer were dissolved in suitable organic solvent DMSO and 2% acetic acid as an organic phase. This solution is added drop wise to aqueous solution of Lutrol F68 and homogenized at 25000rpm followed by magnetic stirring for 4hrs. Nanoparticles were evaluated for its particle size, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), percentage yield, drug entrapment and for in vitro release kinetics. Among the four different ratios, 1:4 ratio showed high drug loading and encapsulation efficiency. SEM studies shows that prepared nanoparticles were spherical in shape with a smooth surface. Particle size of prepared nanoparticles was found to be in range between 142 nm to 221 nm. FTIR and DSC shows drug to polymer compatibility ruling out any interactions. In vitro release study showed that the drug release was sustained up to 7 days. Hence, prepared nanoparticles proved to be promising dosage form for sustained drug delivery of atorvastatin reducing dosing frequency, thus increasing the patient compliance. Copyright © 2012 VBRI press.