Properties of chitosan nanoparticles formed using sulfate anions as crosslinking bridges

Abstract

Problem statement: The preparation of new simple Chitosan nanoparticle delivery system is very important and could have many applications particularly in pharmaceutical field to be used as a drug delivery system. In this study, the production of robust Chitosan nanoparticles has been developed and characterized by chemical crosslinking using sulfate anions. Approach: Chitosan polymer is considered one of the best polymers used in the field of Nanomedicine due to its safety, biocompatibility, biodegradability and environment friendly. Therefore, the development of a new method for the production of Chitosan nanoparticles should be of great importance for the pharmaceutical industry applications. The method was found to produce Chitosan sulfate capable carrying drug molecules which could explain the importance of such technique. Results: The size of Chitosan sulfate nanoparticles was determined using different LMW Chitosan HCl and sodium sulfate were confirmed by Laser diffraction, DSC and FTIR spectroscopy and it was tested for its dissolution rate. Conclusion/Recommendations: LMW Chitosan sulfate nanoparticles were relatively stable in aqueous medium and exert a slow rate of dissolution when placed in acidic medium. The properties of the Chitosan sulfate nanoparticles are considered suitable carriers in Nanomedicine and drug delivery technology. © 2012 Science Publications.