Formulation of Gliclazide Encapsulated Chitosan Nanoparticles: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

Abstract

The aim of this study was to formulate and evaluate gliclazide (GLC) loaded chitosan nanoparticles (NP's). GLC is a hypoglycemic agent, stimulates insulin secretion from functional pancreatic beta-cells and increases the sensitivity of the beta cells to glucose. In the present study GLC loaded chitosan NP's were prepared by salting out of chitosan with sodium citrate. The influence of various formulation factors (stirring speed, drug: polymer ratio) on particle size, drug loading, and encapsulation efficiency were investigated. The particle size analysis was determined by dynamic light scattering technique. The developed NP's showed high drug loading and encapsulation efficiency. FT-IR and DSC studies showed no interaction of GLC with polymers. The release of drug from NP's exhibited over a period of 24 h with an initial burst effect followed by sustained release. The rate and amount of the drug release was decreased as the polymer content increased. The optimum ratio was found to be 1:2.5 with high encapsulation efficiency with sustained drug release. Stability studies revealed that the GLC-loaded NP's were stable for the period of three months.