Preparation and Release Characteristics of Berberine Chitosan Nanoparticles in Vitro

OBJECTIVE:To prepare chitosan nanoparticles loading berberine and to investigate the characteristics of in-vitro release of the prepared nanoparticles.METHODS:Berberine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared using ionic gelation method and the content of Berberine was determines by UV.RESULTS:The results showed that the nanoparticles were spherical or para-spherical with a mean particle size of 267.9nm and a polydispersion coefficient of 0.264.The encapsulation ratio of berberine chitosan nanoparticles was(65.4±0.7)%.The total drug release degree was(56.8±1.7)% in 0.9%NaCl in 6 hours,and(65.6%±1.1)% in 24 hours,and it was(75.3±1.3)%,(55.7±0.9)%,(45.8±1.6)% by turns in artificial gastric juice,artificial intestinal juice and pH7.4 buffer phosphate.CONCLUSION:Berberine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles can be prepared by using ionic gelation method,and the release in vitro of berberine from the nanoparticles is effected by release medium and is pH dependent.