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Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Preparation and Characterization of SDF-1α-Chitosan-Dextran Sulfate Nanoparticles
Published on: January 22, 2015
Chitosan based micro- and nanoparticles for colon-targeted delivery of vancomycin prepared by alternative processing
T Cerchiara1, A Abruzzo1, M di Cagno2
1Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, University of Bologna, Via San Donato 19/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
Chitosan nanoparticles and microparticles were developed for colon delivery of vancomycin. Spray-dried nanoparticles demonstrated optimal water uptake and drug release, alongside effective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Colon drug delivery systems are crucial for treating localized infections and inflammatory conditions.
- Chitosan (CH) is a biocompatible polymer with mucoadhesive properties, suitable for particulate drug formulations.
- Vancomycin (VM) is an antibiotic effective against Gram-positive bacteria, but its oral bioavailability is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize chitosan-based microparticles (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs) for colon delivery of vancomycin (VM).
- To evaluate the influence of different manufacturing processes and chitosan/tripolyphosphate (CH/TPP) ratios on particle characteristics and drug release.
- To assess the antibacterial efficacy of the vancomycin-loaded chitosan formulations.
Main Methods:
- Chitosan microparticles and nanoparticles were prepared using ionic gelation, freeze-drying, and spray-drying techniques.
- Particle size distribution was analyzed by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS).
- Encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, surface composition (FT-IR), morphology (SEM), water uptake, drug release, and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Chitosan/vancomycin interactions were confirmed by FT-IR, with positive zeta-potential indicating CH presence on particle surfaces.
- Manufacturing processes significantly impacted particle size and encapsulation efficiency.
- Spray-dried nanoparticles exhibited superior water uptake and drug release profiles.
- The developed nanoparticles demonstrated significant bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus.
Conclusions:
- Chitosan-based nanoparticles, particularly those prepared by spray-drying, are promising for colon delivery of vancomycin.
- The formulation and manufacturing process optimization is key to achieving desired drug release and efficacy.
- These findings support the potential of chitosan nanoparticles as an effective drug delivery system for vancomycin against Gram-positive bacterial infections.
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