Evaluating Non-Conventional Chitosan Sources for Controlled Release of Risperidone.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Chitosan, a biopolymer, is explored for drug delivery applications.
• Thermoresponsive hydrogels offer potential for controlled release systems.
• Risperidone is an antipsychotic medication requiring effective delivery strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To produce and characterize chitosan from cuttlebone and squid pen.
• To develop thermoresponsive hydrogels using these chitosan sources and β-glycerol phosphate.
• To formulate and evaluate risperidone-controlled release systems.

Main Methods:

• Chitosan extraction and characterization from cuttlebone and squid pen.
• Preparation and optimization of thermoresponsive hydrogels at 37 °C.
• Development of in-situ gelling formulations, hydrogels, and xerogels for risperidone delivery.
• In vitro release studies of risperidone from the developed formulations.

Main Results:

• Thermoresponsive hydrogels were successfully formed at 37 °C using both chitosan sources.
• Cuttlebone chitosan required 1% concentration, while squid pen chitosan needed 1.5% for gelation.
• Hydrogels and in-situ gelling formulations demonstrated extended risperidone release over 48 hours.
• Xerogels showed rapid risperidone release, releasing the drug completely within 48 hours.

Conclusions:

• Cuttlebone and squid pen chitosan are viable sources for thermoresponsive hydrogel development.
• Hydrogels and in-situ gelling formulations are suitable for controlled risperidone delivery.
• Non-commercial chitosan sources offer a promising avenue for developing cost-effective drug delivery systems.