Development and Characterization of Gefitinib Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles by Ionic Gelation Method

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science

Background:

• Nanoparticle drug delivery is crucial for improving anticancer agents.
• Challenges include poor solubility, low therapeutic index, and systemic toxicity.
• Nanoparticles offer solutions to these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize gefitinib-loaded nanoparticles.
• Investigate the impact of chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) concentrations and volume.
• Characterize nanoparticle properties for effective drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Ionic gelation method used to prepare thirteen nanoparticle formulations.
• Varied concentrations of chitosan (0.1-1% w/v) and STPP (0.2-1.5% w/v).
• Evaluated particle size, zeta potential, yield, encapsulation, drug content, and in vitro release.

Main Results:

• Formulation NF-1 (0.1% chitosan, 0.2% STPP, 10 ml STPP) showed optimal characteristics.
• Achieved particle size of 123.8nm, zeta potential of +30.4 mV, and 70.52% encapsulation efficiency.
• Demonstrated sustained gefitinib release over 24 hours, following the Korsmeyer-Peppas model.

Conclusions:

• Optimized gefitinib nanoparticles can be prepared using low concentrations of chitosan and STPP.
• These nanoparticles represent a promising approach for cancer treatment.
• Sustained drug release enhances therapeutic potential.