Abstract

EFFECT OF CROSSLINKING AGENT ON THE SIZE OF POLYMERIC NANOPARTICLES

Kushagri Singh, Amit Singh, Abha Mishra*

ABSTRACT

The nanoparticles are extensively studied due to their almost unlimited potential of providing drug targeting within areas non accessible by other means. Use of polymeric biodegradable nanoparticles(NPs) for controlled drug delivery has shown significant therapeutic potential. Chitosan, a polymeric nanoparticle have gained more attention as a drug delivery carriers because of their better stability, low toxicity, simple and mild preparation method and providing versatile routes of administration. In this paper our focus is on the effect of crosslinking agent over size of chitosan nanoparticles. It was observed that the crosslinking reaction is mainly influenced by the concentration and type of crosslinker agent and the functional groups of chitosan. The smaller the molecular size of the crosslinker, the faster the crosslinking reaction, since its diffusion is easier and lower size range is obtained.

Keywords: cross-linking agent, polymeric nanoparticles, biodegradable, diffusion.