The use of chitosan as an effective carrier of theophylline - an anti-asthmatic drug

Abstract

In order to solve the problem of frequent drug dosing and increase its effectiveness, theophylline (THP) was deposited on chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs). THP-CSNPs nanocomposites with the composition of 50, 75, 100 or 150 mg of chitosan (CS) and 25, 50, 75, 100 or 200 mg of tripolyphosphate (TPP) at pH 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 and 6.5 were prepared, and a constant weight of THP of 100 mg. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The rate of drug release was also tested. The Minitab 18 program was used to analyze the results. The independent variables were the CS, TPP, and pH, while loading efficiency, zeta potential, and particle size were the dependent variables. The nanocomposites successfully transported and protected the drug, providing its sustained release.