HYDRODYNAMIC DIAMETER CONTROL IN THE SYNTHESIS OF CHITOSAN NANOPARTICLES: OPTIMIZATION BY EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Abstract

Background: Chitosan nanoparticles are an alternative vehicle for drug formulation and delivery. Objective: This study aims at the synthesis of chitosan/tripolyphosphate nanoparticles through an experimental design 32, to evaluate the ideal conditions for obtaining a reduced particle diameter with potential for encapsulation of biomolecules. Method: The nanoparticles were obtained by ionotropic gelation, in 11 experimental conditions. Statistical Analysis were carried out using the software Statistics 7, having as independent variable: the polymer/crosslinker mass ratio and the drip flow rate of the crosslinker. The hydrodynamic diameter of the nanoparticles was the response variable, which was characterized by dynamic light scattering. Results: For the optimized system the results show that the mass ratio between the reactants influences the particle size obtained, and the mass ratio of Chitosan/TPP between 2.25 - 2.50 is the most indicated for obtaining diameters between 20-50 nm. Conclusion: Considering the range of hydrodynamic diameters observed in this study, the nanoparticles are well-suited for utilization as active carriers, specifically targeting organs to enhance the effectiveness of therapies.