Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Preparation and Characterization of SDF-1α-Chitosan-Dextran Sulfate Nanoparticles
Published on: January 22, 2015
Preparation and characterization of nanoparticles shelled with chitosan for oral insulin delivery
Yu-Hsin Lin1, Fwu-Long Mi, Chiung-Tong Chen
1Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Abstract:
Nanoparticles (NPs) composed of chitosan (CS) and poly(gamma-glutamic acid) (gamma-PGA) were prepared by a simple ionic-gelation method for oral insulin delivery. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra indicated that CS and gamma-PGA were ionized at pH 2.5-6.6, while X-ray diffractograms demonstrated that the crystal structure of CS was disrupted after it was combined with gamma-PGA. The diameters of the prepared NPs were in the range of 110-150 nm with a negative or positive surface charge, depending on the relative concentrations of CS to gamma-PGA used. The NPs with a positive surface charge (or shelled with CS) could transiently open the tight junctions between Caco-2 cells and thus increased the paracellular permeability. After loading of insulin, the NPs remained spherical and the insulin release profiles were significantly affected by their stability in distinct pH environments. The in vivo results clearly indicated that the insulin-loaded NPs could effectively reduce the blood glucose level in a diabetic rat model.
Related Concept Videos
Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
Insulin Formulations: Types and Delivery
Short-acting insulins are divided into rapid-acting...
Production of Pharmaceuticals
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Introduction
Factors Affecting Dissolution: Particle Size and Effective Surface Area
