Controlled drug delivery systems based on thiolated chitosan microspheres.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Controlled drug delivery systems are crucial for improving therapeutic efficacy.
• Chitosan is a biocompatible polymer with potential for drug delivery applications.
• Developing novel carriers for poorly absorbed drugs remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate chitosan-thio-butyl-amidine (TBA) microspheres as a controlled drug delivery system.
• To characterize the physicochemical properties of these novel microspheres.
• To assess their in vitro drug release profile.

Main Methods:

• Microspheres were prepared using the water-in-oil emulsification solvent evaporation technique.
• Chitosan-TBA conjugate with a specific thiol group concentration was utilized.
• Characterization included light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and particle size analysis.
• In vitro release studies were conducted using FITC-dextran as a model drug.

Main Results:

• Chitosan-TBA microspheres exhibited spherical shapes and smooth surfaces, unlike unmodified chitosan.
• Particle size distribution ranged from 1 to 59 micrometers.
• Free thiol group content varied with the pH of the aqueous phase (71.4, 49.4, and 8.2 microM/g at pH 2, 5, and 6.5, respectively).
• In vitro studies demonstrated a controlled release of FITC-dextran for over three hours.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan-TBA microspheres are a promising carrier system for controlled drug delivery.
• The developed microspheres facilitate transmucosal delivery of poorly absorbed therapeutic agents.
• Further research into these novel microspheres could advance drug delivery technologies.