title: Analytical characterization of chitosan nanoparticles for peptide drug delivery applications.
abstract: Chitosan-cyclodextrin hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained by the ionic gelation process in the presence of glutathione (GSH), chosen as a model drug. NPs were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy and zeta-potential measurements. Furthermore, a detailed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study was carried out in both conventional and depth-profile modes. The combination of controlled ion-erosion experiments and a scrupulous curve-fitting approach allowed for the first time the quantitative study of the GSH in-depth distribution in the NPs. NPs were proven to efficiently encapsulate GSH in their inner cores, thus showing promising perspectives as drug carriers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126, Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ieva
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trapani
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Cioffi
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ditaranto
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Monopoli
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sabbatini
mesh_terms: D048271:Chitosan / Q000032:analysis*; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000032:analysis*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000032:analysis*; D010316:Particle Size; D010455:Peptides / Q000032:analysis*; D013053:Spectrophotometry; D013499:Surface Properties; D014965:X-Rays
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D010455:Peptides; D048271:Chitosan