Ketoconazole loaded quaternized chitosan nanoparticles-PVA film: preparation and evaluation

In the present study, ketoconazole an antifungal drug has been entrapped in quaternized chitosan (QCS) nanoparticles. Firstly, the quaternization of chitosan was carried out with the aid of microwave assisted technique, and then, ketoconazole loaded quaternized chitosan nanoparticles (KCZ-QCSNPs) were formed by cross-linking of QCS by sodium tripolyphosphate through ionic gelation method. The quaternization of chitosan was confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The KCZ-QCSNPs were characterized with the help of fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction study. The KCZ-QCSNPs were evaluated for size, shape and distribution with the aid of field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The entrapment efficiency (EE%) of different batches of ketoconazole loaded QCSNPs ranges from 80 to 90%.The anti-microbial activities of the CS, QCS and KCZ-QCSNPs against bacterial and fungal strains were studied by tube dilution method. The performed drug loaded nanoparticles were mixed into a solution of PVA to fabricate medicated PVA films carrying KCZ-QCSNPs and studied the release behavior.In vitro drug release of KCZ-QCSNPs, KCZ-QCSNPs-PVA film and KCZ-PVA film were carried out in PBS (pH 7.4) solution. The in vitro release data fitted into various release kinetic model to study the release behavior.

Automated summary

In this study, ketoconazole, an antifungal drug, was encapsulated in quaternized chitosan nanoparticles. The quaternization of chitosan was confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The KCZ-QCSNPs were characterized using various techniques, and their antimicrobial activities were evaluated.