Purpose:
To develop ampicillin trihydrate-loaded chitosan
nanoparticles by modified ionic gelation method and
evaluate their antimicrobial activity.
Methods:
Ampicillin trihydrate-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were
prepared by ionic gelation method with the aid of
sonication. Parameters such as the zeta potential,
polydispersity, particle size, entrapment efficiency and
in vitro drug release of the nanoparticles were assessed
for optimization. The antibacterial properties of the
nanoparticle formulation were evaluated and compared
with that of a commercial formulation (reference).
Results:
Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the
nanoparticles were in the
nanosize range but irregular in shape. Concentrations of 0.35 %w/v of chitosan and 0.40 %w/v sodium
tripolyphosphate (TPP) and a sonication time of 20 min
constituted the optimum conditions for the preparation
of the nanoparticles. In vitro release data showed an
initial burst followed by slow sustained drug release.
The nanoparticles demonstrated superior antimicrobial
activity to plain nanoparticles and the reference, due
probably to the synergistic effect of chitosan and
ampicillin trihydrate.
Conclusion:
Modified ionic gelation method can be utilized for the
development of chitosan nanoparticles of ampicillin
trihydrate. Polymer and crosslinking agent
concentrations and sonication time are rate-limiting
factors for the development of the optimized
formulation. The chitosan nanoparticles developed would
be capable of sustained delivery of ampicillin
trihydrate.
Keywords:
Ampicillin trihydrate; Chitosan;
Nanoparticles;
Ionic gelation method; Antibacterial activity
