Preparation, characterization and optimization of glipizide controlled release nanoparticles.

The purpose of the present study was to develop glipizide controlled release nanoparticles using alginate and chitosan thorough ionotropic controlled gelation method. Glipizide is a frequently prescribed second generation sulfonylurea which lowers the blood glucose in type-two diabetics. Quick absorption of the drug from the gastrointestinal tract along with short half- life of elimination makes it a good candidate for controlled release formulations. Alginate-chitosan nanoparticles (ACNP) are convenient controlled delivery systems for glipizide, due to both the release limiting properties of the system, and the bioadhesive nature of the polymers. In the present study, glipizide loaded alginate-chitosan nanoparticles (GlACNP) were prepared, and the particle characteristics including particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (EE%), loading percent (LP), and mean release time (MRT), as well as the morphology of the nanoparticles, the drug-excipient compatibility, and the release kinetics along with the drug diffusion mechanism were evaluated. The results suggested that ionotropic controlled gelation method offers the possibility of preparing the nanoparticles in mild conditions in an aqueous environment, and can lead to the preparation of particles with favorable size, controlled release characteristics, and high entrapment efficiency, serving as a convenient delivery system for glipizide. The particle and release characteristics can be efficiently optimized using the Box-Behnken design. Based on the findings of the present study, it is expected that this novel formulation be a superior therapeutic alternative to the currently available glipizide delivery systems.