Formation and characterization of chitosan-polylacticacid-polyethylene glycol-gelatin nanoparticles: a novel biosystem for controlled drug delivery.

Chitosan (CS)-polylacticacid (PLA)-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-gelatin (G) nanoparticles, a novel drug vehicle for the controlled release of an antitubercluosis drug, rifampicin (RIF) was developed and its chemical and biochemical activities were studied by various standard methods. The designed carriers CS, PEG and G nanoparticles were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation technique, and then used for entrapping RIF. Linking was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The surface morphology of the nanoparticles was studied using scanning electron microscope and polarizing microscope. The influence of process variables, on particle size, zeta potential and matrix entrapment of RIF was studied. The encapsulation and loading capacity were evaluated, and an in vitro release of RIF was assessed using the dialysis method. The effect of nanoencapsulation of RIF on the antibacterial activity of RIF against Mycobacterium strains was evaluated. The preliminary results clearly suggested that the cross linked CS-PLA-PEG-G matrix may be a potential polymeric carrier for controlled delivery of RIF.