Biopolymers with Medical Applications Optimized method for obtaining chitosan-based delivery systems

The aim of this study was to optimize the method used for obtaining microparticles based on chitosan � a biocompatible, biodegradable, and nontoxic polymer, and to characterize the developed systems. Chitosan microparticles, as drug delivery systems were obtained by inotropic gelation method using pentasodiumtripolyphosphate (TPP) as cross-linking agent. Chitosan with low molecular weight (CSLMW) in concentration which ranged between 0.5 and 5 %, was used while the concentration of cross-linking agent ranged between 1 and 5%. The characterization of the microparticles in terms of shape, uniformity and adhesion was performed in solution and dried state. The size of the microparticles and the degree of swelling were also determined. The structure and the morphology of the developed polymeric systems were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).The average diameter of the chitosan microparticles was around 522 �m. The most stable microparticles were obtained using CSLMW 1% and TPP 2% or CSLMW 0.75%and TPP 1%. The micropaticles were spherical, uniform and without flattening. Using CSLMW in concentration of 0.5 % poorly cross-linked and crushed microparticles have been obtained at all TPP concentrations. By optimization of the method, stable chitosan-based micropaticles were obtained which will be used to develop controlled release systems for drug delivery.