title: Statistical optimization of chitosan nanoparticles as protein vehicles, using response surface methodology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There has been increased attention given to polymeric nanoparticles as protein carriers. In this regard, chitosan/tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles are considered to be a simple and efficient carrier. However, to have an ideal protein release profile, we need to optimize the properties of the carrier.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study examined the influence of 4 critical process parameters on the physicochemical characteristics of final nanoparticles. Chitosan-based nanoparticles were produced by ionic gelation, and then the size, polydispersity and zeta potential of those resulting nanoparticles were evaluated. Subsequently, the encapsulation efficiency of bovine serum albumin as model protein was investigated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The morphologies of nanoparticles were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Linear mathematical models were presented for each response through 3 levels using Central Composite Design with the help of design of experiments software, and formulation optimization was performed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Such research will serve as a basic study in protein loading into TPP cross-linked chitosan nanoparticles.
authors.affiliation:  Department of Tissue Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran - Iran.
authors.forename: Nasim
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kiaie
authors.affiliation:  Biomedical Engineering Faculty, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran - Iran.| Tehran Heart Hospital Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran - Iran.
authors.forename: Rouhollah M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Aghdam
authors.affiliation:  Biomedical Engineering Faculty, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran - Iran.
authors.forename: Seyed H A
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Tafti
authors.affiliation:  Department of Tissue Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran - Iran.
authors.forename: Shahriar H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Emami
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D008956:Models, Chemical; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D011122:Polyphosphates / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D011122:Polyphosphates; C120250:choto-san; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine; C005692:triphosphoric acid