Analytical characterization of chitosan nanoparticles for peptide drug delivery applications.
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.
Ieva
E
E
Department of Chemistry, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126, Bari, Italy.
Trapani
A
A
Cioffi
N
N
Ditaranto
N
N
Monopoli
A
A
Sabbatini
L
L
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
D004337:Drug Carriers; D010455:Peptides; D048271:Chitosan