PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CHITOSAN-BASED NANOPARTICLES OF ATOVAQUONE

Shivanjali Jejurkar*, Khushal Chavan, Prof. Bhushan P. Wagh

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of chitosan-based nanoparticles of Atovaquone (ATQ-NPs) to enhance its solubility and bioavailability. Atovaquone, a poorly water-soluble drug, faces challenges in achieving effective therapeutic concentrations. To overcome this limitation, ionic gelation was employed to formulate chitosan nanoparticles as a drug delivery system. The ATQ-NPs were synthesized using chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) as crosslinkers, optimizing particle size and stability. The nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential analysis. The optimized formulation exhibited a particle size of 271 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.521, and a zeta potential of +30.5 mV, indicating good stability. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading capacity were determined as 83.87% and 16.69%, respectively. In vitro drug release studies revealed a sustained release pattern in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, with release kinetics following a zero-order model. The results suggest that ATQ-NPs significantly enhance drug solubility and provide controlled release, potentially improving therapeutic efficacy.) In conclusion, chitosan-based nanoparticles offer a promising strategy for Atovaquone delivery, addressing solubility and bioavailability concerns. These findings pave the way for further in vivo studies and potential clinical applications in the treatment of parasitic infections.

Keywords: Atovaquone, Chitosan nanoparticles, Ionic gelation, Drug delivery, Sustained release.