Synthesis and Evaluation of the Properties of Chitosan-Cellulose Whisker Microparticles for Controlled Release of Isoniazid

Cellulose whisker (CW) was synthesized from filter paper by acid hydrolysis. Chitosan –CW microparticles were prepared by microemulsion technique using isoniazid as the model drug and glutaraldehyde as the crosslinker. The microparticles were characterized by Fourier Transmission Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission emission microscopy (TEM). The effect of cellulose whisker and glutaraldehyde on the microparticles were assessed with regard to swelling, encapsulation efficiency and consequently on the release of isoniazid in different mediums. The drug release mechanism was studied for different time periods by UV-visible spectrophotometer. Cytotoxicity test was performed by MTT assay analysis. The results entailed that the microparticles can be exploited as potential drug carrier for controlled release applications