Development, Characterization and Short-Term Stability Studies of Chitosan-Lipid Hybrid Nanocarrier System

Abstract

Pharmaceutical nanocarriers have recently been widely used to improve drug performance and reduce side effects. They have been shown to be effective for controlled release, sustained release, and targeted delivery. It is also possible to accomplish effective drug utilization, improve permeability, and attain selectivity of drugs. Chitosan polymer attracted the attention of formulation scientists due to its biocompatible, biodegradable nature and utility in drug delivery as a permeation enhancer, as well as its ability to achieve sustained, controlled, site-specific release. Furthermore, it has been shown to be an efficacious counter to both gram -ve and +ve bacteria. Chitosan is a useful carrier for a variety of nanosystems. Targeting the intestinal region of the gastrointestinal track the lymphatic system and other novel approaches will be possible if combined with long-chain fatty lipids. The present work developed a chitosan-lipid nanocarrier system (CLNS) by melt emulsification with sonication. The prepared system was assessed for size analysis, and determination of PDI, zeta potential and the findings were 221.3 ± 3.2 nm, 0.251 ± 0.01, 26.9 ± 2.2 mV, respectively. FTIR analysis reveals the polymer’s compatibility with lipid. DSC and XRD analysis confirmed the presence of amorphous CLNS. The TEM findings suggest that CLNS have a nearly spherical shape with a smooth surface morphology. Furthermore, the carrier system was tested for short-term stability studies, and it was observed that the system is more stable at refrigerated (4℃) and normal environmental conditions (25 ± 2℃ / 60 ± 5% RH) than that of the accelerated conditions (40 ± 2℃/75 ± 5% RH).