Preparation and evaluation of alginate nanoparticles prepared by green method for drug delivery applications

Nanosized natural polymers have attained considerable attention in drug delivery applications due to their high encapsulation efficiency, non-toxic nature, sustained and targeted drug delivery. Here we have synthesized Rifampicin loaded alginate nanoparticles by green method. Physicochemical characterization of the nanoparticles was assessed using Transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Dynamic light scattering and X-ray diffraction technique. The swelling and in vitro drug release showed that the framework experiences pH-dependent swelling and release of Rifampicin. Rifampicin has lower release in acid medium and higher release in intestinal condition. Moreover, in view of the drug release results, the release kinetics and transport mechanisms were investigated and discussed. In vitro cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that the nanoparticles were non-toxic in nature. The acute oral toxicity study of the synthesized nanoparticles was done in Wistar albino rats. No systemic toxicity was observed after oral administration of nanoparticles. The present study demonstrated the potential of using alginate nanoparticles synthesized by a green method for drug delivery applications.