Preparation and in vitro characterization of a fluconazole loaded chitosan particulate system

Abstract

In the present study fluconazole (FZ) was successfully incorporated into cationic chitosan nanoparticles prepared by spray-drying method aiming dermal delivery. Particle size and zeta potential measurements, drug content, morphological, thermal and XRD analyses and FZ quantification by HPLC analyses were performed for characterizing the formulations prepared. Release behavior of FZ from the nanoparticles was determined using a Franz-diffusion cell. Thermal and XRD analyses results indicated that FZ was molecularly dispersed in chitosan nanoparticles. Cationic chitosan nanoparticles released FZ for 180 minutes indicative of the extended release of the drug. In vitro characterization results demonstrated that chitosan nanoparticles seem to be promising for enhancement of dermal delivery of FZ and could decrease potential side effects and reduce the potential of drug resistance.