Preparation and Characterization of Biopolymeric Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Vehicles

In recent years, the use of biopolymeric nanoparticles as vehicles for drug delivery has increased exponentially. In the present study, chitosan and gelatin nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation and desolvation methods, respectively. Salicylic acid was used as the model drug. The nanoparticles were characterized using SEM, XRD analysis and FTIR spectrophotometric studies. In vitro drug release experiments were carried out to understand the mechanism of drug release. SEM micrographs showed the formation of spherical nanoparticles. XRD studies indicated a higher crystalline nature of the chitosan nanoparticles as compared to the gelatin nanoparticles. FTIR studies indicated the presence of salicylic acid within the drug- loaded nanoparticles. Drug release studies indicated that the developed nanoparticles may be used as carriers for various bioactive agents.