Design and evaluation of drug loaded polymeric nanoparticles of antibacterial agent for the treatment of pneumonia

Abstract

Aim: The current research was aimed at formulating and optimizing polymeric nanoparticles of clarithromycin (an antibacterial agent) in terms of particle size, entrapment efficiency, in vitro release behaviors and antibacterial efficiency against S. Pneumoniea. Methods: Clarithromycin loaded polymeric nanoparticles are prepared using chitosan (low molecular weight) by ionic gelation method and Poly (lactide –co-glycolic acid) (50:50 monomer ratio) by emulsification solvent evaporation and nanoprecepitation method. Tripolyphosphate used as a cross linker and polyvinyl alcohol, poloxamer- 188 as stabilizers. Carbapol, Poloxmer-188 and Tween 80 were added as co-stabilizer and co-surfactant respectively. Clarithromycin –β-cyclodextrin complex was prepared and incorporated into chitosan nanoparticles. Minitab 17 statistical software was employed to create general full factorial design. NPs were characterized in terms of surface morphology, particle size and distribution, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, clarithromycin release profile and antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity of nanoparticles against S. Pneumoniea was evaluated by calculation of minimum inhibitory concentration and zone of inhibition. Drug-excipient compatibility study by FTIR and DSC revealed no possible interactions.