Design and optimization method for obtaining pioglitazone and curcumin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles

The aim of the present study was to design and optimize the method used for preparation of CS NPs loaded with pioglitazone (P) and curcumin (C), as a new multi-target polymeric nanosystems, for type 2 diabetes mellitus therapy. Material and methods: CS NPs loaded with pioglitazone, curcumin and pioglitazone-curcumin were prepared using ionic gelation method. After setting the optimal parameters, the developed nanosystems (CS_P NPs, CS_C NP and CS_P_C NPs) were characterized in terms of morphological aspects, using Scanning Electronic M icroscopy (SEM) and of average particle size and poly dispersity index, using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements. In addition, the zeta potential values, an important parameter for physical stability of the NPs, was also studied. Results and discussion: The following parameters were set as optimal, which assure the obtaining of NPs with proper characte ristics: CS 0.1% (wt/v):TPP 0.1% ratio of 3:1, tween 80 0.05% (wt/v), DMSO as solvent, so nication during 30 min, rotational speed of 1,400 rpm. Conclusions: The developed CS_P_C NPs are stable nanosystems with proper physical characteristics (PS = 215 nm, PI = 0.300, ZP = 11.13 mV), which support to continue our studies, using in vitro and in vivo assays, to prove their efficiency as multi-target polymeric nanosystems.