Optimizing indomethacin-loaded chitosan nanoparticle size, encapsulation, and release using Box-Behnken experimental...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used for pain and inflammation.
• Chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) offer potential for improved drug delivery due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability.
• Developing optimized nanoparticle formulations is crucial for enhancing drug efficacy and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize indomethacin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) using ionotropic gelation.
• To determine the optimal concentrations of chitosan and tripolyphosphate (TPP), and stirring time for NP formulation.
• To evaluate the impact of formulation parameters on particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken experimental design for optimization.
• Investigated the effects of chitosan concentration (A), TPP concentration (B), and stirring time (C) on nanoparticle properties.
• Analyzed in vitro drug release kinetics using various kinetic models, identifying Higuchi-matrix as the best fit.

Main Results:

• Optimal formulation achieved with 0.6 mg/mL chitosan, 0.4 mg/mL TPP, and 120 min stirring time.
• Resulting nanoparticles exhibited sizes between 321-675 nm with positive zeta potentials (+25 to +32 mV) after 6 months.
• Encapsulation efficiency ranged from 56-79%, drug release from 48-73%, and drug content from 98-99%.

Conclusions:

• The Box-Behnken design effectively optimized indomethacin chitosan nanoparticles for desired characteristics.
• Formulation parameters significantly influenced particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release profiles.
• The developed nanoparticles demonstrate potential for controlled indomethacin delivery, following Higuchi-matrix release kinetics.