Polymer Nanoparticles for Release of Rifampicin

Gelatin-hydroxyethyl cellulose nanoparticles were prepared using reverse emulsion w/o method. Crosslinking was carried out with glutaric aldehyde within aqueous droplets containing polymers mixture, dispersed into toluene in presence of surfactants. Various formulations were prepared by varying the ratio of gelatin and hydroxyethyl cellulose, the concentration of polymers solution and the ratio of polymers mixture and glutaric aldehyde. The influence of those parameters on the composition, size, size dispersity, particle swelling and their ability for drug inclusion and release was studied. The particles size range of nanoparticles was between 200–700 nm. The ability to take-up drugs and the size are directly correlated with the degree of swelling and gelatin content within the nanoparticles. In vitro rifampicin loading/release from nanoparticles was studied. The very low toxicity, the hemocompatibility and biodegradability of these nanoparticles makes them potential drug carriers.