Insulin-chitosan polyelectrolyte _anocomplexes: preparation, characterization and stabilization of insulin

Objectives: To formulate chitosan nanoparticles with specific combinations of molecular weight and degree of deacetylation (DDA) that could be developed into an oral insulin delivery system. Methods: This study was conducted at Jordanian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company (JPM), Jordan in the period 2006-2009. Nanoparticles were prepared by polyelectrolyte complexation method (PEC). The physicochemical characteristics of the nanoparticles were evaluated. The role of nanoparticles in stabilization of insulin at high temperature and protecting insulin from pancreatic degradation was investigated.Results: The PEC formation process is influenced by a variety of parameters, including the system pH, chitosan molecular weight and DDA. The most important factor appears to be the system pH.All insulin-chitosan complexes displayed positive zeta potential. PECs protect insulin from pancreatin and the protective ability affected by DDA of chitosan. The results of insulin stability indicate that insulin-chitosan PEC protects insulin from degradation for at least 24 h.Conclusions: Molecular parameters of chitosan nanoparticles play an important role in stabilization of insulin in the GIT. So we can modulate relative parameters to develop an oral insulin delivery system.Key Words: Insulin, Chitosan, Polyelectrolyte complexes, Nanoparticles