Development of subcutaneous sustained release nanoparticles encapsulating low molecular weight heparin

The objective of the present research work was to prepare and evaluate sustained release subcutaneous (s.c.) nanoparticles of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). The nanoparticles were prepared by water–in-oil in-water (w/o/w) emulsion and evaporation method using different grades of polylactide co-glycolide (50:50, 85:15), and different concentrations of polyvinyl alcohol (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%) aqueous solution as surfactant. The fabricated nanoparticles were evaluated for size, shape, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro drug release, and in vivo biological activity (anti-factor Xa activity) using the standard kit. The drug and excipient compatibility was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The formation of nanoparticles was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy; nanoparticles were spherical in shape. The size of prepared nanoparticles was found between 195 nm and 251 nm. The encapsulation efficiency of the nanoparticles was found between 46% and 70%. In vitro drug, release was about 16–38% for 10 days. In vivo drug, release shows the sustained release of drug for 10 days in rats. FTIR studies indicated that there was no loss in chemical integrity of the drug upon fabrication into nanoparticles. DSC and XRD results demonstrated that the drug was changed from the crystalline form to the amorphous form in the formulation during the fabrication process. The results of this study revealed that the s.c. nanoparticles were suitable candidates for sustained delivery of LMWH.