Effect of molecular weight heterogeneity on drug encapsulation efficiency of gelatin nano-particles

Influence of molecular weight heterogeneity and drug solubility, drug loading and hydrodynamic conditions on drug release kinetics from gelatin nanoparticles were investigated. Also to assess the ability of gelatin nanoparticles as a potential intravascular probe for diagnostic purposes and in improving the biodelivery of cycloheximide (CHX), which is being used as a representative drug. Comparative characterization of 75 Bloom (type B, bovine), 175 and 300 Bloom (type A, porcine) gelatin nanoparticles was done to understand the phase behavior and hydrodynamic properties of gelatin chains and its nanoparticles. Gelatin nanoparticles were prepared by two-step desolvation method. Dynamic light scattering studies were performed to estimate hydrodynamic radii as well as intermolecular interaction. Effects of parameters like pH, temperature and molecular weight on the size and stability of the nanoparticles were studied. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements were done for size and stability analysis. Enhanced visco-elastic properties of nanoparticles were observed as compared to normal solutions of gelatin. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.