Development of Metronidazole Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Using QbD Approach-A Novel and Potential Antibacterial...

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Metronidazole is a key drug for treating amoebiasis.
• Targeted drug delivery to the colon can enhance efficacy and reduce systemic side effects.
• Nanoparticle formulations offer potential for improved drug bioavailability and controlled release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, optimize, and develop metronidazole-loaded nanoparticles (MetNp) using a quality-by-design (QbD) approach.
• To create an enteric-coated MetNp capsule for targeted colon delivery of metronidazole.
• To evaluate the physicochemical properties, drug release, and stability of the developed MetNp.

Main Methods:

• Quality-by-design (QbD) methodology with fractional factorial design was employed.
• Independent variables included chitosan concentration, tripolyphosphate concentration, stirring speed, and stirring time.
• Metronidazole nanoparticles (MetNp) were synthesized using an ionic-gelation technique and formulated into enteric-coated capsules.

Main Results:

• Optimized MetNp exhibited a particle size of 558.06 ± 2.52 nm and %entrapment efficiency of 59.07 ± 2.15%.
• The enteric-coated MetNp capsules demonstrated pH-triggered, sustained release of metronidazole at pH > 7.0.
• Formulations showed good stability regarding particle size and residual drug content under various temperature conditions.

Conclusions:

• The QbD approach was effective in developing stable metronidazole-loaded nanoparticles (MetNp).
• Enteric-coated MetNp capsules facilitate targeted metronidazole release in the colon.
• These MetNp capsules show promise for the effective treatment of colonic amoebiasis.