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Updated: Jun 14, 2025

Novel Methods for Intranasal Administration Under Inhalation Anesthesia to Evaluate Nose-to-Brain Drug Delivery
Published on: November 14, 2018
Exploring nalbuphine loaded chitosan nanoparticles for effective pain management through intranasal administration: a
Kushagra Khanna1,2, Nitin Sharma3, Ritu Karwasra4
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Delhi Pharmaceutical Science and Research University, New Delhi, India.
Background:
Intranasal drug delivery shows potential for brain access via olfactory and trigeminal routes.
Purpose:
This work aimed to ensure brain availability of nalbuphine via the nasal route.
Method:
Chitosan based nanoparticles loaded with nalbuphine were successfully prepared using ionic gelation method and characterised.
Result:
SEM results revealed that the nanoparticles were spherical in shape, with an average size of 192.4 ± 11.6 nm. Zeta potential and entrapment efficiency was found 32.8 mV and 88.43 ± 7.75%, respectively. The X-ray diffractometry and DSC results unravel a profound understanding on the physical and thermal characteristics. The in-vitro release of nalbuphine from the nanoparticles was biphasic, with an initial burst release followed by a slow-release profile. In-vitro cell study on HEK-293 cells and microscopic images of brain tissue confirmed the safety profile of formulation. In-vivo efficacy studies on animal confirmed the effectiveness of developed intranasal formulation as compared to the standard therapy. The in-vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed that the prepared nanoparticles were able to efficiently deliver nalbuphine to the brain in comparison to the other body organs. Gamma scintigraphy images showed retention of the drug in the brain. Furthermore, the efficacy studies confirmed that the nanoparticles were found significantly more effective than the marketed formulation in pain management.
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