Evaluation of the mucoadhesive properties of chitosan nanoparticles prepared using different chitosan to tripolyphosphate (CS:TPP) ratios.

ABSTRACT

Mucoadhesive molecules such as chitosan, can allow targeting of a particular tissue to prolong residence time and subsequently improve bioavailability. The purpose of this study was to investigate chitosan-tripolyphosphate (CSTPP) nanoparticles and to evaluate the interaction between nanoparticles of different CSTPP ratios with mucin using viscosity, particle size analysis and ζ-potential. For all CSTPP ratios examined, a minimum value of viscosity was reached for a 31 CSTPP ratio, however chitosan nanoparticles at this ratio were not stable (<+30 mV), whereas a CSTPP ratio of 41 displayed the strongest interaction. This suggests a minimum CSTPP ratio of 41 is required to produce stable nanoparticles able to form strong interactions, which is consistent with a greater mucin binding efficiencies at CSTPP ratios of 41 and higher, which were quantified using a colorimetric assay. Further analysis of similar systems could lead potentially to tuneable chitosan nanoparticles for specific applications.