Abstract
Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride is a broad spectrum antibiotic, effective against various types of micro-organisms but its controlled release formulation is recommended due to its short biological half-life (4 hrs). It was the aim of the present work to prolong its release after administration. So, Ciprofloxacin HCl loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles were prepared by the ionic gelation method. Characterization and evaluation of the in vitro release of Chitosan Nanoparticles loaded with Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride were studied. The data of the study clearly demonstrated that, Ciprofloxacin HCl loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles were 60.175 ± 4.973 nm in size with almost 90.713 % Ciprofloxacin HCl encapsulation efficiency. The TEM micrographs showed that the Nanoparticles surface looked spherical or oval and Ciprofloxacin HCl incorporation increases size of Nanoparticles loaded with Ciprofloxacin HCl compared to the empty ones. In vitro release of Ciprofloxacin HCl from Ciprofloxacin HCl loaded CS Nanoparticles was determined in phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4), and the data showed an initial burst release followed by slow sustained drug release rate (81.698 % within 24 hour ). These observations suggest that the Nanoparticles prepared by ionic gelation process without using harsh organic chemicals might be recommended as a controlled drug delivery systems to improve efficacy, reduce toxicity, and improve patient compliance.