Biodistribution and targeting potential assessment of mucoadhesive chitosan nanoparticles designed for ulcerative colitis scintigraphy.

UNLABELLED

In the present investigation we have prepared and characterized curcumin (CN)-containing chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) coated with Eudragit FS 30D for colon-specific drug delivery for treatment of ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

CS-NPs were prepared by ionic gelation using tripolyphosphate. To specify pH sensitive delivery, CS-CN-NPs were coated with Eudragit FS 30D by using a solvent evaporation method. Different process parameters were evaluated, and the optimized formulation was characterized by particle size, size distribution, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency before lyophilization. The lyophilized product was further subjected to Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and particle morphology and drug release in different media were studied.

RESULTS

the kinetics of drug release from the CS-CN-NPs revealed sustained release behaviour of the developed carriers. biodistribution study by gamma-scintigraphy showed good accumulation of the developed nanocarriers in the colonic region.

CONCLUSION

sustained and pH stimulated delivery of CN to the colon was successfully attained coating of CS-NPs with Eudragit FS 30D to circumvent poor absorption and availability of CN.