Development and characterization of gelatin based nanoparticles for targeted delivery of zidovudine

INTRODUCTION: The present work was aimed at development and evaluation of zidovudin (AZT) loaded gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) by simple desolvation method and further couple it with mannose. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total seven batches of GNPs (A1-A7) were formulated by changing the concentration of polymer gelatin. Various parameters such as particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, % entrapment efficiency and in-vitro drug release of plain and mannosylated gelatin nanoparticles (M-GNPs) were studied. RESULTS: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies revealed that the average particle size of GNPs and M-GNPs were found to be 394 ± 3.21 and 797.2 ± 2.89 nm respectively (optimised batch A3). It was interesting to note that the average particle size of M-GNPs was more due to anchored mannose, whereas drug entrapment was lesser compared to plain GNPs. Studies have showed drug loading for GNPs and M-GNPs to be 66.56% and 58.85% respectively. Zeta potential studies demonstrated little reduction in solution stability of M-GNPs compared to GNPs. In-vitro drug release studies showed almost 80% release (bimodal) up to 24 h, following Korsmeyer-Peppas release kinetics model (GNPs, r = 0.9760; M-GNPs, r = 0.9712). CONCLUSIONS: Hence, it can be concluded that, development of GNPs and M-GNPs will pave the way for reticuloendothelial system uptake of AZT; thus, achieving targeted delivery, selectivity and reduction in associated side effect reduction in acquired immuno defficiency syndrome.