Intestinal permeability of oxytetracycline from chitosan-montmorillonite nanocomposites

A nanocomposite based on chitosan and montmorillonite was developed as carrier to improve oral bioavailability of oxytetracycline. The nanocomposite was prepared by simple solid–liquid interaction and loaded with the drug. The loaded nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, thermal analysis, FTIR spectroscopy and zeta potential. Caco-2 cell cultures were used to evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity and drug permeation. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was also performed to evaluate the eventual entrapment of drug into the Caco-2 cells. Results showed that the nanocomposite was internalized into the cells and effectively enhanced drug permeation, being also biocompatible towards Caco-2 cells.