RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND TECHNOLOGY

Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to develop Flutamide loaded chitosan-sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) nanoparticles using Ionic gelation method and characterization of their physicochemical properties and in-vitro release studies. The objective was to fabricate chitosan based nanoparticles for better controlled and targeting action of drug, which also overcome the problems associated with conventional formulations like multidose therapy, poor patient compliance and high cost. Materials and Methods: Flutamide loaded chitosan nanoparticles (F1 to F6) were prepared by Ionotropic gelation method. The formulated nanoparticles were evaluated for external morphological characters, particle size analysis, zeta potential, drug content, entrapment efficiency and in-vitro release studies. Results: The particle size varied from 148 to 317nm and zeta potential was in negative and its value found to be-46.4mV. The drug content for the Flutamide loaded chitosan nanoparticles varied from 69.5±7.2% to 87.9±1.2%. The entrapment efficiencies were found to be minimum and maximum of 55.50±2.4% and 86.30±3.6%. The percentage yields of all formulations were in the range of 48.24 ±1.24 to 86.13±1.37%. In-vitro release of drug showed sustained release behaviour for a period of 24 hr. Conclusion: The optimized formulation contains 3: 1 ratio of chitosan and STTP and demonstrated successful sustained release. Flutamide loaded chitosan nanoparticle is a potential new delivery system for treatment of prostate cancer.