Abstract
The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize spray dried inhalable chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) for sustained delivery of anti-tubercular drugs, isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF), to the lungs. CNPs were prepared by ionic gelation technique followed spray drying. Results showed that the CNPs obtained had a smooth spherical shape with an average size of 230 ± 4.5 nm, with a poly dispersity index of 0.180 ± 0.021. Both drugs, were detected in various organs (lungs, liver, spleen and kidney) until 24 h post nebulization. The chemotherapeutic efficacy of a single dose of drug-loaded CNPs suggested that they are more effective against the mycobacterium than free drugs.
Acknowledgements
The author Mr. Tarun Garg is thankful to the Punjab Technical University (PTU), Kapurthala, Punjab, for providing an opportunity to carry out the research work. The author Dr. Amit K. Goyal (under IYBA scheme; BT/01/IYBA/2009 dated 24/05/2010) is thankful to the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), New Delhi, India, for providing financial assistance to carry out research work.
Declaration of interest
The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.