Investigation of the stability of PEG stearate-coated Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with levothyroxine

We report the formation and characterization of PEG stearate (PEG)-coated Chitosan (CS) nanoparticles. Chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized using tripolyphosphate (TPP) via the ionic crosslinking method. Preparation of PEG Stearate-grafted Chitosan is essential to improve the biocompatibility and water solubility of Chitosan. The size and morphologies of Chitosan nanoparticles were measured with transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Sizes of Chitosan nanoparticles were in the range of 150-200 nm. The particle size and zeta potential of PEG Stearate-coated Chitosan had been measured at 187.5 nm by Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (PCS). Drug entrapment efficiency (EE) was obtained to be 99%. The purpose of the present work was to develop a new nanoparticle system, consisting of polymeric nanoparticles coated with PEG Stearate. The modification procedure led to a reduction in the zeta potential values, varying from +43.3 mV for the uncoated particles to +20 mV for that of PEG Stearate-coated Chitosan. PEG Stearate coated nanoparticles were more stable due to their polymer coating layer which prevented aggregation of Chitosan nanoparticles. Consequently, it is possible that the PEG Stearate surrounds the particles reducing the attachment of enzymes and further degradation of the polymeric cores. Properties nanoparticles were affected by the preparation variables and the coating layer. Chitosan nanoparticles showed a smooth surface and globular shape. In this study, we explored the release behavior of levothyroxine was affected by the coating layer. Coating surface leads to a decrease in the burst release effect compared to uncoated nanoparticle due to gradual release of adsorbed levothyroxine from PEG coated Chitosan nanoparticles.