ARCHIVES
VOL. 10, ISSUE 4 (2025)
Formulation, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of chitosan nanoparticles for doxorubicin delivery
Authors
Pramod Mishra, Dr. Vijendranath Trivedi, Priya Bisen
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) remains a cornerstone chemotherapeutic despite
dose-limiting cardiotoxicity and poor tumor specificity stemming from rapid
clearance and non-selective distribution. This study engineered chitosan
nanoparticles (CSNPs) via ionic gelation to leverage the enhanced permeability
and retention (EPR) effect for improved targeting. Three formulations (F1-F3)
varied chitosan concentrations (0.25-0.75% w/v) with 1% sodium tripolyphosphate
(TPP) and 1 mg/mL DOX, yielding particles of 175-193 nm (PDI <0.3), zeta
potentials +33 to +38 mV, and entrapment efficiencies (EE) 83.9-89.0%. Dynamic
light scattering confirmed monodispersity, while scanning electron microscopy
revealed spherical morphology with smooth surfaces. Preformulation studies via
Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy verified drug-excipient compatibility,
showing no shifts in characteristic DOX peaks (amide OH/NH at 3400 cm⁻¹, C=O at
1720 cm⁻¹). In vitro release at pH 5.5 (tumor mimic) exhibited biphasic
kinetics: initial 15-20% burst within 2 hours followed by sustained release
reaching 85-90% over 12 hours, best fitting Higuchi diffusion model (R² >
0.98). Free DOX showed >80% burst release in 4 hours, highlighting CSNP
superiority. Optimized F2 (180 nm, 87.2% EE) demonstrates colloidal stability,
high drug loading, and pH-responsive release ideal for reducing systemic exposure
while enhancing intratumoral accumulation. These biocompatible, biodegradable
CSNPs address key DOX limitations, warranting in vivo pharmacokinetics
and efficacy studies for clinical translation in solid tumor therapy.
Pages:118-120
How to cite this article:
Pramod Mishra, Dr. Vijendranath Trivedi, Priya Bisen "Formulation, characterization, and <i>in vitro</i> evaluation of chitosan nanoparticles for doxorubicin delivery". International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol 10, Issue 4, 2025, Pages 118-120
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