Preparation and characterization of nanoparticles shelled with chitosan for oral insulin delivery

Yu Hsin Lin, Fwu Long Mi, Chiung Tong Chen, Wei Chun Chang, Shu Fen Peng, Hsiang Fa Liang, Hsing Wen Sung

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

324 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) composed of chitosan (CS) and poly(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) were prepared by a simple ionic-gelation method for oral insulin delivery. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra indicated that CS and γ-PGA were ionized at pH 2.5-6.6, while X-ray diffractograms demonstrated that the crystal structure of CS was disrupted after it was combined with γ-PGA. The diameters of the prepared NPs were in the range of 110-150 nm with a negative or positive surface charge, depending on the relative concentrations of CS to γ-PGA used. The NPs with a positive surface charge (or shelled with CS) could transiently open the tight junctions between Caco-2 cells and thus increased the paracellular permeability. After loading of insulin, the NPs remained spherical and the insulin release profiles were significantly affected by their stability in distinct pH environments. The in vivo results clearly indicated that the insulin-loaded NPs could effectively reduce the blood glucose level in a diabetic rat model.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)146-152
Number of pages7
JournalBiomacromolecules
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2007
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Biomaterials

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