Abstract

In study, insulin loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared via ionic gelation method using cross-linking agent sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP). To have best result for the preparation of nanoparticles, a commercial chitosan with a degree of deacetylation DD of 75 % was adjusted to 85 % - 90 % which was determined by FTIR method. The obtained deacetylated chitosan was studied for the effect of pH, concentration, ratio of chitosan and STPP. Then the insulin loaded chitosan TPP nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation method. These nanoparticles could deliver 91.6 % insulin at pH = 3.5, with the chitosan concentration of 1 mg/mL and the chitosan:STPP ratio of 4:1. The TEMs indicate that chitosan nanoparticles were spherical in shape and the particles size was smaller than 100 nm. Investigation of FTIR and entrapment efficiency assert that insulin loaded chitosan nanopartiles have been prepared and can become a drug delivery system via oral in the future.