Formulation and Characterization of Metronidazole Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles

Author(s): K. Tirumala Devi* and B.S. Venkateswarlu

Abstract: This research describes the preparation of metronidazole (MNZ) polymeric nanoparticles by using chitosan intended for colon-specific delivery. The polymeric nanoparticles were prepared by the ionic gelation method. The nanoparticles were evaluated for their in vitro drug release properties. Scanning electron microscopy was used for morphology observation. The nanoparticles exhibited mucoadhesive properties, which diminished with increasing drug content. The nanoparticles with a particle size range between 200 and 300 nm exhibited excellent mucoadhesive properties. The results show that the formulated nanoparticles have succeeded in controlling the release of (MNZ) over a 12-hr period. In conclusion, the release of MZ was found to be dependent upon the composition of the nanoparticles, the ratio of the components and possible particle size, as well as bioadhesive ability.

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